Top-tier Dutch law firm De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is set to open soon in Singapore, which will be its fifth overseas outpost and second in Asia after Beijing.

De Brauw, which is reportedly lead counsel to more than of the top 100 companies in the Netherlands, also has offices in New York, Brussels and London, apart from its headquarters in Amsterdam. The decision to open in Singapore comes following an increase in demand for services from Dutch companies in Asia particularly in takeovers, joint ventures and arbitrations.

The Singapore office will be headed by M&A partner Dieter Wolff, who is expected to relocate from Amsterdam. Wolff, who has been working for clients in South-East Asia for the last two years, will be joined by senior M&A associated Lennard Keijzer.

"Especially given the current economic climate in Europe, our clients are extending their business activities to growth markets in Asia,” said Martijn Snoep, managing partner of De Brauw, in a statement. “And we, of course, want to be there with them. Our office in Beijing, which we opened in 2010, is clearly meeting a demand. Opening an office in Singapore will further increase our ability to advise our clients in South-East Asia. Where necessary, we will do this in cooperation with renowned local firms that we have built up a close network with over the past few years and with our Amsterdam office."

De Brauw currently has 65 partners and 255 other lawyers across its five offices. ALB

Ranajit Dam is Southeast Asia Editor at ALB. Follow him on Twitter: @RanajitDam_ALB