Ashurst Morris Crisp has advised Smith & Nephew on a complex re-organisation and multi-billion pound acquisition programme which sees the leading medical client launch two takeover bids simultaneously for Swiss companies.

The Ashursts team, led by corporate partner David Kershaw, advised Smith & Nephew on its £1.5bn acquisition of Centerpulse, which first involved the creation of a listed company – Smith & Nephew Group – to act as the holding company.