Flurry of deals helps A&O knock Linklaters from Benelux summit

Allen & Overy has knocked Linklaters from the top spot in the latest Benelux M&A league tables, advising on the biggest deals in 2005.

The magic circle firm advised on 78 transactions at a total value of EUR42.2bn, beating Linklaters, which acted on 38 deals worth EUR36.2bn, according to end-of-year figures released by MergerMarket.

US firms had a stonking year with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton bounding up the charts ten places to take fourth position, advising on 20 deals at a total value of EUR30.9bn. Likewise, White & Case went from 25th position to ninth, acting on 20 deals valued at EUR20.7bn.

By volume of deals, Allen & Overy maintained its pole position, while Clifford Chance ranked second advising on 53 deals at a total value of EUR35.4bn.

But the volume of work did not equate to large deal values for all firms. Lovells acted on 24 transactions worth EUR8.1bn compared with Weil Gotshal & Manges, which advised on just four deals, which totalled EUR18.6bn.

Local firms also ranked well with Eubelius acting on 11 deals at total value of EUR12.9bn.