Underhill and Middleditch crowned top dealmakers

M&A: Linklaters and Freshfields lead the way in survey

Slaughter and May partner William Underhill and Linklaters counterpart Matthew Middleditch were the top corporate dealmakers in Europe last year despite a dearth of work, a survey has revealed.The survey by Mergermarket gave Mr Underhill the number one spot for high-value deals.

He advised on eight, worth 69 million (42 million).

Mr Middleditch came top for volume of deals, clinching 13 worth 13 million.

Other high flyers included George Sampas, from US Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, who achieved a double whammy by claiming second place in both tables for his 11 deals worth 52 million.In the battle of the firms, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer pipped Linklaters in the race for the most lucrative deals overall, raking in transactions worth 2.15 billion compared to 2.12 billion.

Others in the top five were Clifford Chance (1.92 billion), Slaughter and May (1.59 billion), and US firm Sullivan & Cromwell (1.55 billion).Linklaters fought back by seizing the top spot when it came to volume, acting on 210 transactions.

Following in its wake were Clifford Chance (179), Freshfields (165), Allen & Overy (146), and Ashurst Morris Crisp (102).Mr Underhill said lawyers and clients have their fingers crossed that merger and acquisition activity picks up this year, as it is 'not particularly encouraging' at the moment.He added that successful advisers in the market must be good all-rounders.

'What clients are looking for is an understanding of what they are trying to achieve and an enthusiasm for making sure they get where they want to get to, combined with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver,' he explained.Paula Rohan