Norton Rose is set for an about-face over its Continental strategy just three years after making its debut in Germany, with the firm’s Cologne arm set to join CMS Hasche Sigle, the German ally of CMS Cameron McKenna.
The loss would represent a high-profile reversal for the London firm’s international strategy. Norton Rose acquired the outpost in February 2001 after agreeing a deal to take over the local arm of disintegrating German firm Gaedertz. Talks to transfer the practice are thought to be at an advanced stage. Partners in Germany said a deal was likely to be sealed before the end of October.
