Dentons, the world's largest law firm, is announcing today a combination with Larrain Rencoret Urzua, a leading law firm in Chile, which has one of the most stable and dynamic economies in Latin America.

This combination in Chile builds on our strategy of expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will give Dentons' clients access to the experience and talents of lawyers working in 74 countries, uniquely positioning Dentons to provide high-quality legal services to clients around the world.

The combination in Chile follows recent combinations with two firms launched this year in the Eastern Caribbean and the Cayman Islands. These combinations are forged in the wake of a strategic alliance launched last year with Brazil's Vella Pugliese Buosi Guidoni, as well as a combination with Gallo Barrios Pickmann in Peru. They also follow the earlier launch of Dentons Muñoz in Central America, and of Dentons López Velarde in Mexico and Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas in Colombia. These moves are part of Dentons' long-term strategy to build our presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"We are growing faster in Latin America and the Caribbean—and with truly high-quality firms—than anyone has ever done before," said Elliott Portnoy, Global CEO of Dentons.

Chile has the fifth-largest economy by GDP in Latin America and the Caribbean. If combined with Dentons, with its other offices in the region—Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Peru—the Firm would have locations in five of the top six economies there.

"Our clients have access to the deep local knowledge that is provided by lawyers who are both in and of the communities they serve,” said Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons.

LRU has 33 lawyers, a full range of practice areas, and ranks among the top Chilean firms for Projects and Infrastructure, Banking and Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions. In addition, LRU is particularly strong in Mining and Natural Resources, and Energy and Projects, and could provide robust synergies with Dentons’ strengths in these areas.

"This combination in Chile with a strong firm like LRU will help us continue to attract even more top talent and top law firms in Latin America and the Caribbean," said Jorge Alers, CEO of Dentons Latin America and the Caribbean region.

The combination, following approval by partners and subject to meeting regulatory requirements, is expected to launch in the next several months.

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