Most life-like deal: City law firm Travers Smith advised the management team on the £800 million management buyout of The Tussauds Group, the largest operator of visitor attractions in Europe and owner of Madame Tussauds in London. Magic circle firm Linklaters advised the purchaser, Dubai International Capital, while Anglo-Scottish firm Dickson Minto acted for the seller, Charterhouse Capital Partners.

Best catered deal: The London office of Baker & McKenzie advised Delaware North Companies (UK) on its appointment as official caterer at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Under the deal, Delaware will become the sole provider of catering services for matches, other events and functions at the new 60,000-seat venue, which is expected to open in August 2006. City firm Slaughter and May acted for Arsenal.



Most enterprising deal: London firm Hextalls acted for the shareholders of Risk Governance on the sale of the enterprise risk management software provider for an undisclosed sum. City firm Lewis Silkin advised the buyer, Securac.


Best propelled deal: South-east firm Thomas Eggar advised RingProp on its admission to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and an associated £3 million placing. RingProp has developed a range of ringed propellers for the marine market, offering a solution to the safety issues involved in open-bladed propellers. City firm Clyde & Co advised KBC Peel Hunt, the nominated adviser.


Most open deal: The London office of US firm McDermott Will & Emery is advising Numis Securities and IBS OPENSystems on the first accelerated initial public offering of 2005. IBS OPENSystems was formed by Numis to acquire International Business Systems (Public Services) for £52 million in an auction by its parent company IBS. The company, which supplies software systems for the management of social housing, has now been admitted to AIM. US firm Latham & Watkins acted for IBS, while City giant Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised the non-executive directors of IBS OPENSystems.


Most can-do deal: City firm Ashurst is advising Apax Partners and Sunshine Acquisition on their £574 million takeover offer for HIT Entertainment, the owner of 'Bob the Builder' and 'Thomas the Tank Engine'. US firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is advising Apax on the debt financing, while US firm Shearman & Sterling is acting for the banks, Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. London firm Olswang is advising HIT Entertainment.