Appleby Spurling Hunter, a Bermuda law firm specialising in commercial matters, is merging with Jersey firm Bailhache Labesse, expanding its reach into a fourth offshore centre, as it tries to reach its goal of becoming the top offshore law firm.

The development marks the second time in just over two years that Applebys, the second largest Bermuda law firm, has undertaken a merger. Known as Appleby Spurling & Kempe before its 2004 merger with Caymans firm Hunter & Hunter, the firm will once again change its name, this time to Appleby Hunter Bailhache, as of the merger?s official September 1 date.

The merger will make Applebys the only law firm to have a major foothold in four of the world?s leading offshore business centres ? Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Jersey, the firm said in a statement yesterday.

Applebys, founded in Bermuda more than 100 years ago, started moving in to other offshore domiciles in recent years.

Managing partner Peter Bubenzer will remain the head of the expanding legal empire, which also boasts a presence in London and Hong Kong.

?Our strategic vision is to be the leading provider of legal, fiduciary and administrative services in the offshore world,? he said.

Appleby?s move comes amid growing merger activity amongst offshore law firms. Conyers Dill & Pearman, Bermuda?s largest law firm, has so far bucked the trend set by Applebys and others, following a path of organic growth as it has expanded into a firm with operations in various offshore and financial centres.

?While organic growth can build expertise over time, we believe that this transaction brings immediate depth and breadth of resources and benefits to clients,? said Mr. Bubenzer, of Applebys decision to join with Bailhache.

Bailhache chairman Mike O?Connell, said his firm and Applebys were ?already leaders in their respective jurisdictions and we share a common vision to provide outstanding offshore services to clients?.

Bailhache is comprised of four separate businesses, Bailhache Labesse Law Firm, Bailhache Labesse Trustees Limited, Bailhache Labesse Fund Administrators Limited, and Bailhache Labesse Securities Limited.

Together the merged firms will have a nearly 600 employees, adding 14 more partners to the 30 that Applebys already has. The firm?s 2004 merger with Hunter & Hunger increased staff numbers to 435.