Most purposeful deal: London firm Fladgate Fielder advised Platinum Diversified Mining, a special purpose acquisition corporation (SPAC), on its admission to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and a fundraising of $80 million (£45 million). Platinum, a metals and mining investment business, is one of the first SPACs to list in London. SPACs hold 98% of the gross proceeds of the fundraising in escrow pending completion of an acquisition. If an acquisition is not effective within 18 months, Platinum will be liquidated. The London office of US firm Hunton & Williams advised broker KBC Peel Hunt.

Most eventful deal: The Leicester office of Howes Percival acted for Thomas Hannah & Associates on its merger with Q Group to create the THA Group, an events, marketing and incentives group with a £34 million turnover. Leicester firm Harvey Ingram advised Q Group, while regional firm Shoosmiths acted for Royal Bank of Scotland.


Most processed deal: City firm Herbert Smith advised Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest IT company, on a 12-year business process outsourcing contract worth £600 million with life insurer Pearl Group. US firm Morrison & Foerster advised Pearl on the commercial agreement, with niche City firm Sackers advising on pensions and US/UK firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham handling property-related issues.


Most searching deal: City firm Watson Farley & Williams advised Finders Resources on its admission to AIM and a £3.5 million fundraising. Finders Resources operates copper and gold-silver projects in Indonesia. National firm Pinsent Masons advised broker Westhouse Securities.


Most informative deal: The London office of US firm Faegre & Benson advised the National Magazine Company on its acquisition of healthcare Web site business NetDoctor for an undisclosed sum. Nottingham-based Browne Jacobson advised NetDoctor.


Most powerful deal: City firm Ashurst is advising Kuzbassrazrezugol, one of Russia's largest coal producers, on its acquisition of 51% of Powerfuel for an undisclosed sum. Powerfuel, which was advised by Leicestershire firm Fishers, owns Hatfield Colliery near Doncaster and aims to recommence coal mining there in 2007.