Osborne Clarke (OC) looks set to open its own office in Brussels as the national law firm pushes ahead with European expansion plans despite entering early-stage merger talks with Field Fisher Waterhouse.

The top 50 UK firm is planning to set up its own base in the Belgian capital in early 2013 after loosening ties with former local alliance partner De Wolf & Partners earlier this year when it revealed plans to merge with several members of its former alliance.