Eversheds Breaks New Ground With Middle East Merger

DUBAI, UAE, May 25, 2011 -

International law firm Eversheds has today (25 May 2011) announced that
it has merged (and associated in Saudi Arabia) with Middle Eastern law
consortium KSLG in a groundbreaking move that will see the firm treble in
size in the region.

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KSLG is a consortium of Middle Eastern law firms Dhabaan & Partners,
Khasawneh & Associates and Sanad Law Group. The consortium provides a full
range of quality legal advice ranging from corporate/commercial and real
estate, to government policy reform, employment and dispute management. The
merger will give Eversheds KSLG unrivalled geographic coverage in the Middle
East with offices in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh.

In a bold strategic move in to the Middle East, the deal will see KSLG
fully integrate into Eversheds LLP, but retain the name Eversheds KSLG,
pending completion of licensing arrangements.

Nasser Ali Khasawneh, a founding partner of KSLG and managing partner of
Eversheds KSLG Dubai office said:

"The vision behind KSLG was to provide clients with a regional practice
that could cover work throughout the Middle East with quality, efficiency and
a level of service excellence that was consistent in every office of the
group. This is a regional practice with staff of the highest calibre with the
highest level of local and international qualification and experience. We
share the same vision as Eversheds to be committed locally but connected
globally and so they are a natural merger partner for us."

Bryan Hughes, Chief Executive of Eversheds LLP said:

"The Middle East continues to be an exciting, dynamic market. Our clients
tell us that they need a first class legal product that provides consistent,
quality advice across the whole of the Middle Eastern region. We have been
looking to establish a region-wide offering for some time and importantly
with a firm that is totally aligned to our ambitions and values. KSLG's
strong domestic reputation and local knowledge will strengthen Eversheds
international offering and will create a progressive corporate legal practice
in the Middle East with a strong platform for growth."

Chris Jobson, Managing Partner of the Middle East said:

"We have worked with KSLG for many years. KSLG are client centred, have
high calibre lawyers and deliver consistent quality advice. The merger
reflects natural evolution and cements a strong and long-standing
relationship."

Notes to editors

About Eversheds LLP

Eversheds LLP and its world wide offices have over 4,500 people who
provide services to the private and public sector business and finance
community. Access to all these services is provided through 50 international
offices in 30 jurisdictions. Eversheds combines local market knowledge and
access with the specialisms, resources and international capability of one of
the world's largest law firms.

www.eversheds.com

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Imogen Lee, For Eversheds LLP, Tel: + 44(0)207-919-4566, E-mail: imogenlee at eversheds.com