Hogan Lovells is to launch a business services centre in Johannesburg, following its merger with South African firm Routledge Modise in December.

The centre will be in the same building as the firm’s new South African office and will be joined up with the firm’s back office functions in London and the US. It is expected to be up and running in mid-2014 with the first services in conflict checking, client due diligence and research.