MINTER Ellison has announced it will have its own fully integrated office in Perth from October, following a decision to merge with global firm Squire Sanders & Dempsey. 

Squire is finalising talks with the majority of the partners from the WA practice, which has operated under the Minter Ellion brand for more than two decades. 

The Minter Ellison partnership will open its own office in Perth in October which will include some partners from the current Minter Ellison Perth office. 

Current Minter Ellison Perth managing partner, John Poulson, said the merger is a natural and strategic fit because in part of the number of overseas companies seeking to establish businesses in WA or acquire interests in projects there, is increasing. Squire's global platform provides greater market connectivity, he said. 

Poulson said that more than 25 per cent of the work of the firm's Perth lawyers is cross border in the region. 

Squire Sanders chair and global chief executive officer, James J. Maiwurm, said: “The potential combination of Squire Sanders and partners from Minter Ellison Perth would add to our capabilities and developing practice in Asia, with Perth providing a key hub for services to the region’s growing economies.

“We are attracted to the Minter Ellison Perth partners because of their strong domestic practices and outstanding energy and resources component, which will complement and strengthen Squire Sanders’ existing practices and expertise.

“The enhanced practice will enable the combined firm to strengthen relationships with clients in Japan and China, where Squire Sanders has strong offices, and with clients and opportunities in Africa, and the rest of South East Asia.”

Squire Sanders was one of the first US-based law firms to open an office in Asia, with its Tokyo office established in 1955. The global legal practice also has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.