London firm SJ Berwin, apparently suffering poor financial results due to a lack of diversification in its firm strategy, has launched itself into the Asian market with two office openings - Hong Kong and Shanghai - this year.

The latest venture for SJ Berwin is the recent opening of its Shanghai office, which is staffed by senior associates Ji Hailong and Philip Senff, who both relocated from Frankfurt. The new branch will focus on fund formation, M&A, PE and real estate.

"China's impressive economic growth continues despite the global economic challenges, and client demand is high for dedicated, capable and experienced legal resources able to assist with both inbound and outbound cross-border legal work involving China," said SJ Berwin Asia head, Daniel Liew.

The Hong Kong office, headed by Liew, was launched in April 2009. SJ Berwin also opened an office in Dubai in September 2009.

Expansion comes after the firm suffered a dip in profits per equity partner of nearly 50% last year.