Allen & Overy and Kirkland & Ellis have been identified as the top legal advisors for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the automotive sector during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest financial advisers league table by GlobalData.
The data and analytics company’s league table revealed that Allen & Overy secured the leading position by deal value, advising on transactions worth a total of $2.1bn. On the other hand, Kirkland & Ellis topped the volume rankings by advising on four separate deals during the same period.
GlobalData’s lead analyst, Aurojyoti Bose, highlighted the performance of Kirkland & Ellis, noting that the firm showed improvement by advising on more deals in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. This improvement led to Kirkland & Ellis securing the top position by volume in the rankings.
Meanwhile, Allen & Overy, despite advising on fewer deals, managed to lead by value in Q1 2025. The firm’s involvement in the $1.4bn American Axle & Manufacturing-Dowlais deal played a significant role in securing the top spot by value during this period.
In terms of deal value, Cravath Swaine & Moore, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Slaughter and May shared the second position, each advising on deals valued at $1.4bn. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton followed closely, with deal involvement totaling $701m.
In terms of deal volume, AZB & Partners and CMS ranked second, each advising on three deals. They were followed by Allen & Overy and TriLegal, which each worked on two transactions.
GlobalData’s league tables are based on real-time tracking of company and advisory firm websites, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. The company also welcomes submissions of deals from leading advisers to further enhance the robustness of the data.
In conclusion, Allen & Overy and Kirkland & Ellis have demonstrated their expertise and leadership in the automotive sector’s M&A activities during the first quarter of 2025. Their performance highlights the importance of legal advisors in facilitating successful transactions in the industry.
