Shiniest deal: London firm Olswang advised the principal shareholders of film and TV production company Kudos on its sale to Shine for an undisclosed sum. Kudos' programmes include Spooks, Hustle and Life on Mars. Cheltenham-based media and entertainment firm Wiggin acted for Shine.


Most romantic deal: National firm HBJ Gateley Wareing acted for Clearwater Corporate Finance as adviser on the sale of the online dating agency Dating Direct.com and its sister company Chemistry to French company Meetic for £27 million. Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons advised the purchaser.



Most forceful deal: Lancashire firm Farleys advised video game developer Traveller's Tales on its acquisition of Embryonic Studios for an undisclosed sum. Embryonic has developed titles such as Brute Force, Privateer and Starlancer as well as the licensed game for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. Manchester firm Shammah Nicholls advised Embryonic.



Most piercing deal: London firm Stringer Saul advised drug delivery company SkyePharma on the sale of its injectable business to Blue Acquisition Corp for £42 million. The London office of Reed Smith acted for the buyer in the UK, with WilmerHale advising in the US.



Most historic deal: London firm Forsters acted for antique dealer Mallett & Son on the £14 million sale of its leasehold interest in Bourdon House, a historic Mayfair townhouse that was once home to the second Duke of Westminster. London firm Vizards Tweedie acted for the undisclosed buyer.



Most compliant deal: US/UK firm K&L Gates acted for Shariah Capital, a business structuring and advising on Shariah law-compliant financial products, on its admission to AIM, the junior stock exchange. Olswang advised Investec Bank as nominated adviser.



Most educational deal: National firm Pinsent Masons advised the University of Liverpool on a £40 million fundraising to enable it to develop its services. City firm Clifford Chance acted for the investors on the deal, the university's first private placement.



Most energetic deal: London firm Nabarro Nathanson advised Novera Energy on its agreement to acquire the 50% holding in Novera Macquarie Renewable Energy held by Macquarie Renewables, advised by City firm Berwin Leighton Paisner, for £30 million. The joint venture operates landfill gas and biomass renewable energy assets.