Linklaters’ infant Lisbon branch has advised brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) locally for the first time as the leading London firm moves to extend its key client relationships to its European practice.

The deal saw Linklaters represent S&N on the company’s $406m takeover of two of Portugal’s leading drinks producers: Sociedade Central de Cervejas, a brewer and distributor, and mineral water distributor Sociedade de Agua de Luso.