Battiest deal: Bournemouth firm Steele Raymond has acted for Dorset-based property developer Harry J Palmer in drawing up one of the UK's first formal management agreements for the protection of a bat roost. This is ahead of proposed legislation, the Natural Environment Bill, currently going through Parliament. The agreement was necessary for the company to receive planning permission to develop a site containing three derelict barns, one of which is used as a roost by three species of bat - Natterer's, pipistrelle and brown long-eared. Yeovil-based Battens acted for the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Best read deal: Macfarlanes acted for the independent directors and bookstore chain Ottakar's on the £79 million takeover offer from Bookstore Acquisitions, a company formed by management and funds managed by Phoenix Equity Partners, and advised by fellow City firm Travers Smith.


Most revved-up deal: Norwich-based Steeles advised Formula One engine manufacturer Cosworth on a wide-ranging partnership agreement for the provision and development of new V8 engines for the Williams Formula One team, advised in-house, in the 2006 world championship.


Most artistic deal: Manchester firm Berg Legal advised the shareholders of London-based ABG Financial Management on its £3 million sale to First Artist Corporation, represented by central London firm Clintons. ABG provides a range of taxation and financial consultancy services, and its clients include sports and media personalities.


Most animated deal: City firm Howard Kennedy acted for Irish production company A&B TV on the production of a new series of the 1970s cult classic cartoon 'Roobarb & Custard'. The new series was commissioned by Five, advised in-house by Adam Sutcliffe, while Celador International, advised in-house by Georgina Cuppaidge, will be handling the television sales and developing the brand off-air. There is also a licence agreement with the Cartoon Network in the UK and US.


Most sheltered deal: City firm Field Fisher Waterhouse advised United St Saviour's Charity, a provider of almshouses for poor people living in the London Borough of Southwark, on the purchase of a building in Purley for a substantial consideration. It will be converted into sheltered housing for 55 people aged over 55. Contractor McCarthy & Stone, a leading UK retirement-home builder, was advised by Bournemouth-based Lester Aldridge.