Ashurst corporate associate Gavin Gordon wins his place in The Lawyer Hot 100 thanks to a string of high-profile deals in which he played a key part.

In August Gordon advised on the sale of part of Candover's and Cinven's stake in bingo and casino company Gala Group. Ashurst also advised Gala on refinancing the company's debt, which was arranged and underwritten by Lehman Brothers, Royal Bank of Scotland and Intermediate Capital Group. In October, Gordon assisted with the £2.18bn acquisition of bookmaking chain Coral Eurobet by Gala, with Ashurst once again advising the acquisitive group.

The following month he assisted Cinven on its joint acquisition with Goldman Sachs Capital Partners of Ahlsell Group, the leading Nordic distributor of heating, plumbing and electrical products. Gordon also assisted British food company RHM, which announced plans for a flotation at the end of July. Few assistants at any firm could claim a busier year.