DLA Piper and Australian business law firm DLA Phillips Fox have announced that terms have been agreed for the full integration of DLA Phillips Fox into DLA Piper. Both firms expect to gain overwhelming partner consent for the integration by the end of February with the integration becoming effective on May 1. “The cementing of the relationship between DLA Piper and DLA Phillips Fox is part of our global strategy,” said Nigel Knowles, co-chief executive officer of DLA Piper. “As part of our strategy we are committed to expansion within the G20 nations, and with Australia as the 14th largest industrialised nation, it provides excellent opportunities with its strong ties to some of the most rapidly growing economies in Asia.” On completion of the integration, DLA Piper’s Asia managing director Alastair Da Costa will become managing director for the whole of the firm’s Asia Pacific business, which will have revenues expected to exceed US$150 million and will comprise over 700 lawyers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.