Deals of the Week 10.05.2002

Flightiest deal: Birmingham-based Wragge & Co advised Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity on its 3.6 million investment into Astraeus, the UK's newest charter airline.

Astraeus will focus on the 'pre-sold' market, mainly high street travel agents and tour operators, 22 of whom have already signed up to charter flights this summer.

The Southampton office of Blake Lapthorn advised the Astraeus management.

Snowiest deal: The London office of US firm Jones Day Reavis & Pogue advised Enigma Holidays on its 1.5 million acquisition of specialist ski tour operator Total Holidays, advised by south London firm Calvert Smith & Sutcliffe.

Most first-class deal: Consignia was advised by City firm Lovells on its proposed 1.2 billion joint venture with Balfour Beatty advised by Linklaters, to outsource Consignia's facilities management services.

It is expected to save Consignia 60 million a year.

Yummiest deal: The London office of US firm Weil Gotshal & Manges acted for Premier International foods on its acquisition of Nestl's ambient food business, including brands such as Branston pickle and Sarson's vinegar.

Nestl was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna, with Norton Rose advising the lead bank JP Morgan.

Best cooked deal: Bristol-based Burges Salmon represented microwave technology company Quasar, which specialises in communication applications, on its takeover by US firm Andrew Corporation, advised by Bond Pearce.

Muddiest deal: West midlands firm Wright Hassall acted for Saville Tractors in its management buyout from the Dutton-Forshaw group, advised by Eversheds.

Dustiest deal: Norton Rose advised Peter Hambro Mining Company, which holds majority interests in Russia's Pokrovskoye and Pioneer Gold deposits, on its AIM listing, which values the company at 36 million.

Charles Russell advised Canaccord Capital (Europe), the nominated adviser.

Healthiest deal: City firm Taylor Joynson Garrett acted for insurance broker Primary Group on its purchase of Health for Industry, a broker which provides private healthcare insurance products for corporate clients.

Swindon firm Clarke Holt represented Health for Industry, which was incorporated for the purpose of the sale.