Sovereign wealth: Magic circle firm Allen & Overy advised a ­number of underwriters on issuing the government of Dubai’s inaugural sukuk, worth around $2bn (£1.2bn) in total this year. It is believed to be the largest sovereign sukuk ever issued. City firm Taylor Wessing advised the ­government of Dubai.

Road to Yell: Magic circle firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised a consortium of underwriters on a £660m rights issue by Yell Group. City firm Herbert Smith advised Yell Group on the London Stock Exchange share placing, and also on refinancing £3.8bn of Yell’s debt. The proceeds from the rights issue will go towards reducing debt.

Drug deal: Birmingham firm Wragge & Co advised biotechnology company Astex Therapeutics on a £300m drug discovery alliance with healthcare giant GlaxoSmithKline, advised by its in-house team.

Express service: Freshfields advised a consortium of underwriters on National Express Group’s £375m London Stock Exchange rights issue. National Express was advised by City firm Ashurst.

Coal in one: City firm Charles Russell advised JP Morgan, Cazenove and Evolution Securities on a $92m (£55m) fundraising by Coal of Africa. City firm Watson Farley & Williams advised Coal of Africa.

Passage to India: Bristol firm TLT advised retail group WHSmith on its expansion into India. WHSmith will initially open six units at Delhi airport next year.

Fire starters: City and national firm Eversheds advised Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority on a £191m private finance initiative deal for 10 new fire stations across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The lenders were advised by south-west firm Osborne Clarke.