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 Herbert Smith won the mandate after a referral from the US.
Allied Domecq, the world’s second biggest spirits group and the owner of brands such as Ballantine’s whisky, Beefeater gin and Malibu is being advised by Linklaters corporate partners David Cheyne and Dominic Welham.
Meanwhile, France’s Pernod Ricard has turned to longstanding adviser Macfarlanes.
Allied Domecq has a market value of just over £7bn though according to reports Pernod and Fortune will have to pay £9bn to clinch the takeover.
Herbert Smith declined to comment.
