David CheyneLinklaters has emerged as the leading M&A adviser in 2002 after a year in which the London giant consistently dominated the global deals tables.

Figures from Mergermarket released this week show the magic circle firm leading European M&A for 2002, acting on 208 announced deals over the year with a cumulative value of £126bn, followed by Clifford Chance (CC) with 187 deals totalling £106bn.