Herbert Smith has won its first instruction from Fortune Brands, the US group that has teamed up with Pernod Ricard to take over Allied Domecq. It is understood that the mandate came following a US referral. Allied Domecq is being advised by Linklaters, while Pernod Ricard has instructed longstanding adviser Macfarlanes. Allied Domecq has a market value of just over £7bn, although according to reports Pernod Ricard and Fortune will have to pay £9bn to clinch the takeover. Herbert Smith declined to comment.

First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 6 April 2005