Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright continues to expand its footprint in Africa by entering into a strategic alliance with leading Kenyan law firm, Walker Kontos.

Walker Kontos has 18 fee earners, 9 of which are partners, operating  from Nairobi, Kenya. The firm is ranked Band 1 for banking & finance by Chambers Global and has received accolades for its work in M&A, project finance, energy, capital markets and real estate matters.

Norton Rose Fulbright and Walker Kontos will collaborate on selected client matters to provide seamless legal support to clients, particularly in the areas of financial institutions, energy and infrastructure.

The alliance will be formally launched in October 2016.

The alliances in Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe significantly extend our African coverage, which comprises offices in Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Casablanca.

Donald Dinnie, managing director of Norton Rose Fulbright in South Africa, commented: “We are very excited about our alliance with Walker Kontos as it reflects the strategic importance of Africa to our global business. Walker Kontos brings an unparalleled breadth of experience in the region which complement our activities in East Africa.”

Peter Martyr, global chief executive, Norton Rose Fulbright, commented: “We have ambitious growth plans for the African continent and East Africa is a key hub for our clients. We see immediate opportunities in Africa in particular across energy ,infrastructure and commodities. This  alliance marks a significant step forward in fulfilling these ambitions, and will further enhance our global offering.”

Michael Kontos, managing partner at Walker Kontos, said: “We are very excited. The alliance bridges our clients’ evolving needs in an increasingly globalised economy, while at the same time recognising the importance of Kenya as a financial and legal services hub in the region.”