Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and CMS have emerged as the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in Europe region during the first half (H1) of 2023 by value and volume, respectively, according to the latest Legal Advisers League Table by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database reveals that Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $36.9 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, CMS led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 158 deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and CMS were the clear winners, leaving behind their peers by a significant margin in terms of value and volume, respectively.

“Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was the only firm that managed to surpass the $30 billion mark in total deal value in H1 2023. It advised on seven billion-dollar deals, which also included a mega deal valued more than $10 billion. Meanwhile, CMS was the only firm to advise on three-digit deal volume in H1 2023.”

Kirkland & Ellis occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $22.4 billion worth of deals, followed by Linklaters with $21.6 billion, Allen & Overy with $19.9 billion, and Hengeler Mueller with $17.5 billion.

Meanwhile, White & Case occupied the second position in terms of volume with 74 deals, followed by Allen & Overy with 54 deals, Addleshaw Goddard with 51 deals, and Clifford Chance with 48 deals.