International law firm Clyde & Co has announced the formation of an association with ALMT Legal, an Indian law firm with offices in London, Mumbai and Bangalore.

The two firms will work within the existing legal framework to jointly develop Indian business and provide a seamless, fully-integrated service operating to common standards. The firms will share information, harmonise training and set in place an extensive secondment programme to the extent permitted by Indian regulations. Local regulations in India do not currently permit a merger with an international firm but the two firms will look to merge once it becomes legally permissible.

ALMT is a highly regarded full service Indian law firm providing Indian expertise with an international capability from its three offices and through affiliate offices in other cities. The firm's practice areas include banking, finance, tax (both direct and indirect), corporate, capital markets, employment and labour, foreign direct investment, commercial, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing, trusts and estates and property.

The London office of ALMT is fully staffed with Indian qualified lawyers providing advice on matters relating solely to Indian law, thereby strengthening Clyde & Co's capability and capacity to provide Indian legal advice on all matters relating to Indian law and jurisdiction.

ALMT partners, including the two UK-based partners, will be available to work alongside Clyde partners on joint projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure/energy, transport, insurance, international trade, finance and foreign direct investment.

The association will provide a one-stop-shop for clients with access to experts who have a deep understanding of local markets and cultural idiosyncrasies. Both firms have, as their hallmark, the provision of practical commercial advice tailored to clients' specific needs and requirements.

As one of the few international law firms that can effectively serve clients in emerging markets, joining up with ALMT will bridge Clyde & Co's capabilities from the Middle East to the Far East, enabling both firms to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the Indian market and assist in establishing a joint platform for the further development of Indian business both within and outside India.

Peter Hasson, Clyde & Co CEO says of the association: "We aim to be the first choice firm for business in emerging markets; an Indian capability is key to that. There are already significant business flows between India, the Middle East, the UK, China, Singapore and increasingly Latin America. Clyde & Co has a strong presence in all of these markets. It is, however, not yet possible to operate as a foreign law firm in India. We have found a business partner in India with a similar vision to our own, with whom we can cooperate to continue to offer a first class service to clients. Critical to this is that we have confidence in the people and share a similar vision and outlook. This association will facilitate some ALMT lawyers joining Clyde & Co. There is a very strong alignment of values and approach together with agreement over development plans. Our clients are already seeing the benefits of this relationship".

ALMT comments: "Clyde & Co has a strong emerging market presence, in particular the Middle East and South East Asia. The firm has a similar ethos and we have known and worked with several partners over a number of years. With this association, we have the ability to contribute and develop each others practices whilst giving Indian clients access to international quality advice in a seamless and efficient manner."