Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) has formally combined with its Hong Kong alliance firm Smyth & Co after four years of association.

This official tie-up will allow RPC to operate as a single entity in the Hong Kong market.

RPC managing partner James Miller said: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved over a relatively short period of time in Asia, both in Hong Kong and Singapore. Our Hong Kong office has continued to surpass every expectation we’ve set.

“This latest success is a cornerstone for our continued growth and development in the region. We’ve seen a number of great achievements over the last few years and I don’t expect that to slow down any time soon.”

The Hong Kong office has grown substantially since 2012, when the Smyth & Co and RPC association first began in 2012. The office now numbers 70 employees. Smyth & Co was set up originally by Asia senior partner David Smyth following his departure from Clyde & Co in Hong Kong.

Last year, the firm formalised a local alliance by entering into a joint venture with Premier Law. The deal is part of plans to build up banking litigation work in the region and double the size of its Singapore practice.

The firm’s newly elected managing partner James Miller indicated in a recent interview with The Lawyer that RPC would be open to opportunities similar to Singapore, with smaller 3 to 4-partner team hires.