National firm DLA Piper is poised to merge with its Australian associate firm DLA Phillips Fox, the firms announced today.

If partners approve the merger, DLA Piper, which posted global revenues of £581m for the 2009/10 financial year, would have the biggest Australian operation for a global business law firm.

The tie-up will require three-quarters of DLA Piper partners to vote in favour of the move, and if passed, the firms would merge in May. If the merger goes ahead – which is expected to be the case – DLA Piper would have more than 70 offices in 30 countries, comprising more than 4,000 lawyers.

DLA Piper said that its merged Asia Pacific business would have revenues of more than £195m, with more than 700 lawyers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.

In a statement, DLA Piper co-chief executive Sir Nigel Knowles and global chairman Frank Burch said: ‘The cementing of the relationship between DLA Piper and DLA Phillips Fox is part of our global strategy, and is an integral part in helping us become the world’s leading business law firm. As part of our strategy we are committed to expansion within the G20 nations, and with Australia as the 14th largest industrialised nation, it provides excellent opportunities with its strong ties to some of the most rapidly growing economies in Asia.

‘With the integration of DLA Phillips Fox, DLA Piper will be the world’s largest business law firm, uniquely positioning our firm to serve the world’s leading enterprises wherever they may conduct business.’

On completion of the merger, DLA Piper Asia managing director Alastair Da Costa will become managing director for Asia Pacific. He said: ‘Economic influence in the world is moving to the Asia Pacific region. This integration of two leading law firms with a well-established presence in the world’s most dynamic markets and the resource-rich, developed economy of Australia will be attractive to the growing number of companies which are building businesses spanning the region.’

DLA Phillips Fox chief executive Tony Holland will continue to manage operations in Australia as DLA Piper regional managing partner for Australia. He said: ‘We have had a good understanding of the globalisation of business and of the legal market for some time, and our affiliation with DLA Piper has enabled us to service clients who are looking to grow internationally. This full integration with DLA Piper will allow us to grow and better meet our Australian clients’ increasingly global needs, and the needs of DLA Piper's global clients.’

Holland said that increased cross-border activity in the Asia Pacific region was a ‘major factor’ in his firm’s decision to merge.