b'A global platformBy 2010, as Australia recovered from the GFC, internationalOver the year conversations continued; neither firm was firms seeking expansion saw Australia as an attractiveeager to merge, but both could see benefits in working market, especially given its proximity to major projecttogether. In particular, each firm was keen to strengthen development and financing work in Asia. The large UK andits involvement in the growing energy, resources and US firms showed the greatest interest. Allens had draggedinfrastructure work in Asia. In 2012 Allens Arthur Robinson its heels with the domestic mergers of the 1980s and didand Linklaters announced an alliance. The firm also decided not want to be late to this development. A best friendsto adopt the colloquial name by which it had long been relationship had been in place with UK firm Slaughter andknownAllens. May for several years. However, unlike their magic circle counterparts, Slaughter and May did not wish to pursueFrom 2013 Ian Wallace stepped into the role of Allens international expansion. Allens needed to consider newchairman and carried the relationship forward. The firms options, and Linklaters was top of the list.maintain their financial independence while sharing best-practice approaches to solve client problems. The The idea of an alliance between Allens Arthur Robinsonalliance gives Allens clients access to a global network of and Linklaters was first discussed in mid-2011. Michaelthirty-eight offices in twenty-four countries. and there is Rose and Simon Davies, the managing partners of the twoa consistent flow of talent between the two firms, at both firms, had been attending an international legal conferencesenior and junior levels.in California and began discussing growing international interest in the Australian market. Rose was keen to continueThe alliance remains a unique structure in the Australian the conversation and took a detour via London on the waylegal market, says Allens managing partner Richard Spurio. home. Joined by Allens Arthur Robinson chairman EwenOur clients and our people continue to benefit from the Crouch, they met with Davies and some of his fellowexpertise, reach and opportunities the alliance brings.Linklaters partners. The firms had worked together and shared similar clients, cultures and values.We had been scratching our heads for some time about covering Australia for clients, said Linklaters senior partner, Robert Elliott. When we started looking at it, the complementary nature of the practices became evident.The logo adopted by Allens when the alliance was formed in 2012. 231'