Norton Rose will merge with Canadian law firm Macleod Dixon as of January 1, 2012.

The move will increase Norton Rose’s resources across its six key industry sectors and in particular in its energy and infrastructure, mining and commodities practices, the firm says.

As a result of the merger, Norton Rose will add 60 lawyers in Latin America, based in Caracas, Venezuela and Bogotá, Colombia, a 13- lawyer office in Almaty, Kazakhstan and a team of lawyers in Moscow.

Bill Tuer, Macleod Dixon’s managing partner, says: “Our decision to merge was the result of a detailed strategic review. Joining Norton Rose Canada is a major global step in serving our clients through a broader and more sophisticated international practice. We have had offices in emerging markets for 20 years and investment is flowing into and out of Canada more than ever before. This merger will allow us to assist our clients in most of the important markets around the globe.”

Norton Rose’s managing partner John Coleman will continue in his role at Norton Rose Canada, while Tuer will join the executive committee of Norton Rose.