Most encoded deal: National firm Pinsent Masons acted for Codemasters, the computer and video-game developer, on a significant investment by venture capital group Benchmark Capital Europe. Codemaster's games include Colin McRae Rally, Brian Lara Cricket, and LMA Manager. London firm Nabarro Nathanson acted for Benchmark.

Most attentive deal: The London office of US firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom advised Finnish group TietoEnator Corporation on its £46 million offer to acquire AttentiV Systems, the Alternative Investment Market-listed (AIM) provider of financial services software. City firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary acted for AttentiV.


Most integrated deal: The London office of Osborne Clarke advised communications services provider Redstone on its £25 million acquisition of network integrator Xpert Group. Stoke-on-Trent firm Heatons acted for Xpert, while City firm DLA Piper Gray Cary advised investor shareholder Lloyds TSB Development Capital. US/UK firm Dechert represented Evolution Securities, Redstone's sponsor.


Ultra-hard deal: City firm Kingsley Napley acted for Hardide on its admission to AIM and an associated £1.5 million fundraising. The company supplies Hardide technology - a patented surface engineering technology which combines ultra-hardness, low friction and chemical resistance for use with steel, hard alloys and other materials. City firm Memery Crystal advised Seymour Pierce, the nominated adviser and broker.


Living deal: National firm Pinsent Masons advised Living Ventures on the acquisition of the Est Est Est restaurant business for £17 million and the purchase of a 40% stake in the company by The Restaurant Group, owner of the Garfunkel's and Caffe Uno chains. South-west firm Bond Pearce and Scottish firm McClure Naismith also advised Living Ventures, while national firm Eversheds acted for debt provider HBOS. Scottish firm Maclay Murray & Spens advised The Restaurant Group, while City firm SJ Berwin acted for Bowmark Capital on its exit from Living Ventures.