Herbert Smith’s European alliance has launched a review of its network with senior sources confirming that the formalisation of ties with Spanish referral firm Cuatrecasas – but not Italy’s Pavia e Ansaldo – is now firmly on the agenda.

It is understood that the strength of referral work from Cuatrecasas has persuaded Herbert Smith – and fellow alliance members Benelux firm Stibbe and Gleiss Lutz of Germany – that it should now consider formalising the relationship with the leading Spanish firm.