The Hedge Fund Association, HFA, today announced a European expansion with the opening of a new Chapter in London with future Chapters planned for other major European hedge fund cities.

A launch event focused on distressed investing will be held October 5th, 2010 at 6pm GMT at the offices of Brown Rudnick at 8 Clifford Street London, W1S 2LQ, United Kingdom.

Serving the entire hedge fund industry, HFA is focused on business and professional development, lobbying to advocate for managers and investors, and public relations aimed at dispelling misperceptions and educating the media, investors, lawmakers and the public at large.

“Europe is one of the most dynamic regions in the alternative investment community, and it is vital that the Hedge Fund Association, a leading not-for-profit industry association for alternative investments in the U.S., has a strong presence here,” stated David Friedland, President of the Hedge Fund Association and President Magnum U.S. Investments.

The European Regional Chapter will be lead by Louise Verrill, the Head of Brown Rudnick’s European Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Group.  Ms. Verrill represents major creditors and stakeholders both in the U.K. and internationally, and has been involved in many high profile insolvency and restructuring litigation assignments including MG Rover, TXU, Euro Tunnel, Enron, Polestar, Lehman and Northern Rock.  “I am delighted to be named the first Chapter Director in HFA’s European expansion.  In the U.S., HFA has been a powerful force for unifying the alternative investment community.  I am excited to expand our Firm’s support of the HFA and the funds community, and look forward to advancing business opportunities for European hedge fund firms, investors and service providers.”

Brown Rudnick is the exclusive law firm member of the HFA’s Thought Leadership Council.

About The Hedge Fund Association (www.thehfa.org)
The Hedge Fund Association is an international not-for-profit organization made up of hedge funds (large and small), hedge fund investors (including funds of funds, family offices and high net worth individuals) and service providers (including law firms, administrators, brokers, accountants, marketers and technology firms).

About Brown Rudnick LLP (www.brownrudnick.com)
Brown Rudnick is an international law firm with offices in the United States and Europe. The firm represents clients from around the world, providing business-focused solutions that address today’s ever-changing, ever-demanding competitive marketplace. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset, Brown Rudnick offers a broad slate of capabilities and talents in areas that include: Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring, Complex Litigation, Finance, Corporate, Intellectual Property, Energy, Government Law & Strategies, Health Law, and Real Estate.