Simmons & Simmons has officially merged with the bulk of its Portuguese joint venture firm to become only the second UK firm to establish a fully integrated local law practice in the country.

The City firm forged the alliance in 1992 with F Castelo Branco P Rebelo de Sousa & Associados, which is known locally as Grupo Legal Portugues (GLP) and the deal, effective today (2 January), sees the practice branded as Simmons & Simmons Rebelo de Sousa.