4.09.2003

Most driven deal: Leeds firm McCormicks advised the management on its buy-out, for an undisclosed sum, of motor retailer Nidd Vale Group's general motors division.

Walker Morris acted for the group and Keeble Hawson the funder, the Bank of Scotland.

Most cinematic deal: Hammonds' Birmingham office advised UK software company Clarity Commerce Solutions on its $3 million (1.9 million) acquisition of cinema ticketing IT provider Pacer CATS from Ticketmaster, represented by Starr Legal.

Most Islamic deal: Clifford Chance acted for the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), a supranational institution established by member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, on its inaugural issue - the first of its type for Islamically compliant securities involving multiple assets.

Jersey-based Solidarity Trust Services is issuing $400 million trust certificates due in 2008, structured to be compliant with Sharia principles, and the IDB will guarantee their performance and buy them back when they reach maturity.

Allen & Overy represented the managers, with US firm White & Case providing them with Saudi Arabian legal advice.

Ogier & Le Masurier provided advice on Jersey law.

Wettest deal: London firm Gordon Dadds advised the Kendal Group on its purchase of swimwear producers the Zoggs Group, which involved the acquisition of group companies in the UK and Australia.

Sydney firm Clayton Utz advised on Australian law.

Buckinghamshire-based BP Collins advised the seller, and Scottish firm Lindsays acted for the funder, the Bank of Scotland.

Best dressed deal: Eversheds represented UK fabrics company Murmar Phipps on its purchase - for an undisclosed sum - of supplier Peak Textiles, advised by Derby firm Flint Bishop & Barnett.

Most wireless deal: Rosenblatt acted for Brainstorm Holdings on its disposal of wireless applications service provider Micronics Telesystems to the management, advised by fellow City firm The Bower Cotton Partnership.

Other investors in the buy-out vehicle were advised by Tucker Turner Kinglsey Wood & Co in London and Birmingham's Eaton Ryan & Taylor.

Meatiest deal: US/UK firm Jones Day Gouldens advised Jokyle Holdings on its 9.5 million sale of Oakleigh Manufacturing and Oakleigh Transport, which specialise in pet food ingredients and flavouring, to a UK subsidiary of the Mitsui Corporation, represented by south-coast firm Lester Aldridge.

Bus-iest deal: Newcastle's Dickinson Dees acted for northern transport group on its 3.6 million acquisition of the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company, advised by Poole firm Coles Miller.