Biotech: Magic circle firm Allen & Overy advised biotechnology company Vernalis on the sale of Apokyn, a treatment for Parkinson’s disease – and the sale of Vernalis’s US commercial operations – to French company Ipsen for $17.5 million (£9 million). Ipsen, advised by New York firm Sullivan & Cromwell, also agreed to buy $5m (£2.6m) of Vernalis shares.


European Parliament: London firm IBB Solicitors advised the European Parliament on its £20 million purchase of 32 Smith Square, London SW1, which will house the head office of both the European Parliament and European Commission in the UK.



Local government: Birmingham firm Wragge & Co advised the Local Government Association – which promotes best practice among 500 English and Welsh local authorities – on a ten-year, £83 million deal with back-office outsourcing provider Liberata, advised by its in-house team.



Bakery: City firm SJ Berwin advised property developer Gazeley, in conjunction with warehouse developer UK Logistics Fund, advised by London firm Maxwell Winward, on the forward sale and development of a 220,000 sq ft bakery for national baker Warburtons, advised by Bolton firm Kippax Beaumont Lewis. Also, national firm Pinsent Masons advised Wal-Mart and ASDA on the sale of Gazeley, a subsidiary of ASDA, to business hub consolidator Economic Zones World, advised by magic circle firm Linklaters.



Oil: Channel Islands firm Ogier advised Shell on the £20 million sale of its Channel Islands fuel supply business to Rubis, a French oil and gas storage company, advised by south-east firm Walkers.



Insurance: City firm Clyde & Co advised private equity investors Phoenix Equity Partners and the management of Partnership Group Holdings on the £150 million sale of the Partnership Group, which provides impaired life and care insurance. Magic circle firm Freshfields advised lead investor Cinven.