Most high-flying deal: City giant Linklaters advised SkyEurope Airlines on its international initial public offering (IPO), the first such IPO by a Slovakian company. SkyEurope Airlines is a low-cost, low-fare air carrier offering routes within central Europe and between central Europe and western Europe. Its shares were admitted to trading on the Vienna and Warsaw stock exchanges. City firm Allen & Overy advised the managers in respect of the underwriting, while Saxinger Chalupsky Weber & Partner provided Austrian advice.

Most tested deal: The London and Munich offices of Dechert advised SQS, one of the largest independent providers of software testing and quality management services, on its admission to the Alternative Investment Market and a £10.8 million placing. SQS is the first German company to have a primary listing in London. City firm Memery Crystal advised the nominated adviser, Evolution Securities.


Cutest deal: London firm Howard Kennedy acted for Baby Network on the European launch of its 24-hour television channel for babies aged from six months to three years of age, called 'Baby TV'. The channel will contain no commercials, no advertising and no promotions, and is designed to enhance children's learning.


Most skilful deal: The London office of US firm Weil Gotshal & Manges advised the shareholders of Midasplayer.com, the international skill gaming company, on the sale of a significant minority stake to funds advised by Apax Partners for £23.3 million. Midasplayer.com is an on-line games site where players can win cash prizes. DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary advised Apax.


Freshest deal: London firm Nabarro Nathanson advised Whole Foods Markets, the American organic food specialist, on its acquisition of part of the Barkers department store in High Street Kensington for an undisclosed sum. The site will be its first large format Fresh & Wild store in the UK. City firm Slaughter and May advised Barkers, while Norton Rose acted for the freeholder, Relsa Barker. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Associated Newspapers, which also took the second floor of the building.