Centrica: instructing A&O looks certain to disappoint its previous advisersAllen & Overy (A&O) has prised Centrica away from its usual advisers and closed a £316m deal for the energy giant – its first M&A transaction for the new client.

Centrica was traditionally advised by a plethora of top City firms including Linklaters, Ashurst Morris Crisp, Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw, Herbert Smith and DLA.