Portuguese law firm Rui Pena, Arnaut & Associados to join CMS
26.10.2011Company: CMS
Frankfurt, 24 October 2011 - CMS has agreed that Portuguese law firm Rui Pena, Arnaut & Associados (RPA) will become a member of CMS. From 1 January 2012, the firm will be called CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut (CMS RPA). The CMS Executive Committee agreed the expansion last week.
“This adds an important jurisdiction to our European growth strategy,” said CMS Chairman Cornelius Brandi. “CMS RPA can continue to build on its longstanding, excellent reputation in Portugal, while simultaneously working as part of CMS on being the best European provider of legal and tax services.”
Since signing a formal cooperation in October 2010, CMS and RPA have already been working together on client matters and on forging a wider Iberian growth strategy. The results provided a clear business case for RPA becoming a member of CMS.
“Since 1964, we have been building a strong brand in the Portuguese market,” explained José Luís Arnaut, Founding Partner of RPA. “Joining CMS means we can continue to build on that work and on reinforcing our Iberian strategy, while overnight becoming a European powerhouse.”
CMS is unique in its governance operating as a European Economic Interest Group (EEIG). It allows firms to build on their long histories and unique national structures, while also working as part of a larger European organisation. Clients have access to local experts in more European cities than any other legal and tax services organisation, while benefitting from cross-border coordination.
From the start of next year, it means CMS will add nearly 60 lawyers and tax advisers to its ranks, and will now be operating in 55 offices across 30 countries. The RPA announcement follows moves earlier this year that saw CMS operations expand to Luxembourg and Albania.
“CMS is committed to our strategy to be a leader in Europe,” noted Brandi. “We are expanding into countries based on clients’ needs and ensuring that when we do, we offer the high-quality and seamless service that CMS is known for.”
