A&O beats CC to Iberia-BA merger gig

Allen & Overy (A&O) has edged out magic circle rival Clifford Chance to win the lead role advising Spanish ­airline Iberia on its proposed merger with British Airways (BA). A&O Madrid managing partner Inigo Gomez-Jordana is running the team along with London ­corporate partner Alan Paul. Clifford Chance had worked on a similar mandate for Iberia last year, when BA made its first approach. Slaughter and May and ­Spanish best friend Uria Menendez are acting for long-term client BA.