Fast-growing French firm Cotty Vivant Marchisio & Lauzeral has widened its presence in Asia by opening an office in burgeoning Southeast Asian business hub Singapore.

The office is managed by Philippe Taverne, a former associate with both Gide Loyrette Nouel and DS Advocates, and a former manager of DS' Singapore office. Taverne has been in Asia for eight years, and has had experience in Beijing as well as Singapore.

Cotty Vivant is targeting SMEs, including start-up and spin-off structures, and MNC clients to help them structure, document and execute investment projects as well as commerce and trade transactions in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The office is the second in two years that the firm has opened in Asia, following its entry into the Japanese market in September 2006. The Tokyo office houses partner Laurent Dubois, who has 25 years' experience in Tokyo, and seven associates.