The City office of US firm Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) has landed three new clients and closed four private debt placements as the firm moves to broaden its London practice.

The firm bolstered its London debt capability three months ago with the hire of US partner Brian Bates from Chicago firm Bell Boyd & Lloyd. Bates’ practice focuses on representing institutional lenders and issuers. His clients include European companies Avis and chocolate manufacturer Thorntons.