Historic city law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co is expanding its international reach by joining forces with a Canadian practice.
The firm, which last year as Wragge & Co merged with London practice Lawrence Graham, is teaming up with Gowlings to launch a new business called Gowling WLG.
The new outfit will begin operations in January.
Gowling WLG will have more than 1,400 lawyers and legal professionals operating from 18 locations across Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The original firms will remain separate and independent of each other but be aligned operationally.
David Fennell, chief executive of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, said: "Clients' legal issues are increasingly international so we want to put ourselves in the strongest position to meet that demand.
"Last year's merger between Wragge & Co and Lawrence Graham was the first step. Now, with Gowlings, we are ready to take the next step on our ambitious journey."
Gowling WLG will provide clients legal expertise and multi-jurisdictional support in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, power generation and distribution, projects and infrastructure.
Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings' chief executive and chairman, added: "Gowling WLG will be a true coming together of equals.
"As a result of this combination, we will be able to offer a broader range of services and a deeper pool of legal expertise in key sectors, delivered seamlessly across the world by people who care about their clients and doing the best possible job for them."
Gowling WLG will be governed by an international board, comprising each of the founding firms' chief executives and two additional representatives from each founding firm.
