The decision, which both firms have confirmed was mutual, brings an end to an exclusive partnership which first began in 2008. However, the firms will continue to work together on a non-exclusive basis, according to Legal Week.
Neither HSF nor GPA – which has around 30 lawyers across offices in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah - is looking for an alternative exclusive associate.
In a statement, Zubair Mir - HSF's Middle East practice head, said it had been a ‘privilege’ to work with GPA, but the exclusive association no longer supported the ‘achievement of their broader business strategies’.