Dentons is launching in South Africa with associate law firm KapdiTwala. The firm is opening an office in Cape Town with plans to open another in Johannesburg later this year.

An additional office in Francophone Africa will open in 2014, further strengthening Dentons’ position on the continent.

“Formalising what has been a very successful association with KapdiTwala under the Dentons name and opening additional offices later this year is yet another way we can serve clients in a seamless fashion across all our regions,” says global chief executive officer Elliott Portnoy.

With a presence in most of the world’s major oil and gas hubs, Dentons hopes to help clients make the most of the opportunities offered by South Africa’s fast-developing energy sector.

“With some of the most dynamic economies in the world today, Africa is a priority region for Dentons. Our goal is to connect clients in Africa to our strong practices around the globe and to connect clients from around the world to top-tier lawyers in Africa,” adds Portnoy.

Dentons’ South Africa offices will be the first time a global law firm has joined with a Level 1 Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) law firm. KapdiTwala will continue to be owned by local partners and led by managing partner Noor Kapdi.

Dentons has offices and associated offices in 20 countries, spanning the African continent. It was the first major international law firm to develop such a presence in Africa, celebrating 50 years since the opening of its Cairo office this year.