Bristol-headquartered TLT has entered into a strategic alliance with Dutch firm Holla Advocaten as it seeks to expand its international offering for clients.

The formal partnership builds on a long history of collaboration between the two firms on matters such as disputes, employment, corporate finance and M&A. The agreement is also the first in what TLT hopes to be a number of alliances in Europe, US and India as part of the firm’s growth plans. 

Chris Owen, head of international at TLT, said: “Like TLT, Holla is an ambitious and growing firm in the Netherlands. We have great cross over in terms of approach, legal expertise and industry insight and a strong history working together to support our clients.”

He added: “Although we are focused on the immediate challenges of the economic impact of the Covid pandemic, we are not standing still. We are ambitious for the future and how we continue to develop and deliver opportunities for our people and our clients; pushing forward with our international strategy is a critical part of that.” 

Holla is one of the Netherlands’ oldest law firms, having been founded in 1879. It has three offices across the country, in Utrecht, s-Hertogenbosch and Eindhoven, and employs more than 100 people.

Robert Gebel, Holla managing partner, said: “TLT shares Holla’s DNA. For both firms, the client centric approach and the sector focussed success of our businesses are important driving forces. Our partnership is not solely aimed at improving both organisations’ international services, but also at sharing knowledge, expertise and innovation. We look forward to further exploring these developments together.”

Other European firms are also seeking to expand their footprint in the UK as the end of the Brexit transition phase looms closer. Belgian competition and trade specialists Van Bael & Bellis said it plans to open a London office in September.

Earlier this month, US law firm Littler secured an alliance with Polish employment specialists Paruch Chrusciel Schiffter while Hausfeld expanded its international footprint into the Iberian Peninsula with the announcement of a collaboration with Spanish independent Eskariam to work together on joint follow-on litigation in relation to the 2019 Spanish milk cartel.