Simpson Thacher attains peak of US M&A

New York's Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has stormed to the top of Thomson Financial's US M&A deals table for the first quarter of 2005.

The firm rose from sixth place for the same quarter last year to notch up 18 concluded deals. It was also catapulted into first place for announced deals, advising on 20 deals worth a combined value of $110.5bn (£75.7bn).

Sullivan & Cromwell, meanwhile, fell 10 spots to eleventh place after coming top last year. The firm advised on 19 announced deals in the first quarter. On completed deals, it fell one spot to fourth place, advising on 18 deals with a combined value of almost $28bn (£19.78bn).

Weil Gotshal & Manges had an impressive first quarter, rising 21 places to occupy second spot for announced deals with roles on 35 deals worth a combined value of $86.8bn (£59.46bn).

In terms of volume, Ohio's Jones Day posted the best performance, advising on 71 announced deals in the first quarter with a combined value of $86bn (£58.92bn).