Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has reinforced its position at the top of the European deal rankings after its German arm sealed two major pharmaceutical deals – worth a combined E9bn (£6.1bn) – in the last week.

Duesseldorf corporate partner Achim Kirchfeld led a 25-lawyer team for the City giant advising longstanding client Schwarz Pharma on its E4.4bn (£3bn) takeover by Belgium-based biopharmaceutical outfit UCB.