Allen & Overy (A&O) is to launch a new office in Duesseldorf after securing the hire of former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer local chief Thomas Austmann.

Austmann, who was managing partner of Freshfields’ Duesseldorf arm from 2003 to 2006, left the magic circle firm on 31 March. He joins A&O’s German arm in October to spearhead the new operation.