Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom looks set to further loosen Lovells’ hold on trophy private equity client Doughty Hanson by advising it on its expected bid for Fiat Avio, the aeronautics unit of Italian carmaker Fiat.

The deal, which is understood to be worth between £1.2bn and £1.4bn, sees Doughty Hanson set to make a bid for Fiat Avio alongside Italian aircraft builder Piaggio Areo Industries.