Herbert Smith Freehills and AZB & Partners were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) 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 Herbert Smith Freehills achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $22.8 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, AZB & Partners led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 27 deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Herbert Smith Freehills advised on three billion-dollar deals*, which also included a mega deal valued more than $10 billion. Moreover, it was the only firm that managed to surpass $20 billion in total deal value during H1 2023. Apart from leading by value, it also occupied the sixth position by volume. Interestingly, AZB & Partners, which led the chart by volume, also occupied the sixth position by value.”

Cravath Swaine & Moore occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $19.8 billion worth of deals, followed by  White & Case with $16.4 billion, Hengeler Mueller with $15.1 billion, and Jones Day with $6.1 billion.

Meanwhile, Khaitan & Co occupied the second position in terms of volume with 25 deals, followed by Baker McKenzie with 15 deals, Gilbert + Tobin with 14 deals, and White & Case with 13 deals.

*Deals valued more than or equal to $1 billion