Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) is closing in on a deal to secure a formal German ally after drawing up a list of candidates for its next international link-up.

BLP and formal New York ally Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel are to this week discuss candidates at a scheduled quarterly meeting of the two firms, amid indications that the 80-lawyer Munich practice, Arcon, is considered a leading contender.