Deals of the week 03.05.2001

Most absolute deal: Eversheds advised on the 115 million flotation of Henderson Absolute Return Portfolio, the largest investment vehicle investing in hedge funds to be quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

The placing and offer was sponsored by Intelli Corporate Finance, which - along with management - was advised by Norton Rose.Most colourful deal: Speechly Bircham acted for the founders of PR company Red on its sale to Incepta Group.

Initially 12 million was paid in cash and Incepta shares, and there is an earn-out potentially bringing the price to 25 million.

The firm is to continue advising Red, which will maintain its identity after the sale.

CMS Cameron McKenna advised Incepta.Most visible deal: Hammond Suddards Edge advised US software provider I-many on its 10 million-plus acquisition of London-based BCL Vision, which is involved in the design of collections and dispute management software.

London firm Collins Benson Goldhill acted for BCL.Most comfortable deal: City firm Taylor Joynson Garrett advised Electra Investment Trust and Bridgepoint Capital on the partial realisation of their investments in Coltran.

A UK manufacturer of flat-pack occasional furniture, Coltran was valued at 14 million.

Leeds firm Nelson & Co acted for the management, which took a stake in the business.Most assured deal: Herbert Smith is acting for the Life Assurance Holding Corporation (LAHC) on an 86 million contract with Aberdeen Asset Management, advised by The City Law Partnership.

On completion, Aberdeen will manage LAHC's investment funds.Best sourced deal: Rowe & Maw advised international financialservices company AMP on a200 million IT outsourcing agreement to US-based consultancy and IT services firm Computer Sciences Corporation, which was advisedin-house.Most fashionable deal: North-west firm Mace & Jones acted for the management team in the7 million pound buy-out of fashion chain Wade Smith from Arcadia Group, advised by Clifford Chance, as part of Arcadia's disposal of parts of its fashion retail empire.

Davies Wallis Foyster acted for the funder, the Royal Bank of Scotland.