The three-year-old merger between Eversheds Sutherlands and Singapore’s Harry Elias Partnership (HEP) is officially coming to an end at the end of this month, the two firms have announced.

This is the second alliance in Singapore to break up this year, after Taylor Wessing and RHTLaw decided to call it quits.

In May 2017, HEP entered into a full financial merger with the London-headquartered Eversheds Sutherland, giving rise to Eversheds Harry Elias (EHE). The merged entity was helmed by Philip Fong, who was formerly the managing partner of HEP.

According to a release from the firms, although the merger achieved certain milestones, it was ended in the best interests of both parties.

“When we first negotiated the merger, we had included a review mechanism at the three-year mark,” said Fong. “On this review, the management of the firm has decided that this merger is not the best option for us going forward. Nevertheless, we look forward to continued cooperation with Eversheds Sutherland, albeit in a different form, for ongoing and future local and regional projects.”

Stephen Kitts, managing partner, Asia, Eversheds Sutherland, added: “We have been in discussion with the senior team at legacy Harry Elias Partnership over the past few months with regards to our future strategy in Singapore.  Whilst there have been many positive milestones over the past three years, both firms feel the time has come to tread a different path.  We part as friends and on very good terms, and hope to continue our close relationship in the future.”

Once the merger ends, EHE will revert to being called Harry Elias Partnership from July 1.

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