International firm Eversheds is rumoured to be in merger talks with Singapore-based Harry Elias, according to media reports.

Harry Elias specialises in construction, employment, corporate and dispute resolution and has around 56 fee-earners and 20 partners.

A tie-up with the firm would increase Evershed’s reach in the state, where it opened an office in 2009, and the Southeast Asia region. A total of eight lawyers are now based in its Singapore office, led by regional managing partner Oommen Mathrew.

A spokesperson at Eversheds would not comment on whether it was in merger talks, but said the firm is looking at growing its reach in the region.

The spokesperson said: ‘Growth in Asia is a key part of our global strategy and we will continue to look at opportunities with potential partners including firms with whom we have a strong existing relationship. 

‘Very often such conversations come to nothing but, because of their very nature, we are unable to confirm whether discussions are taking place let alone discuss detail, and that will remain the case until such time as there is something tangible to report.’