Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Eversheds have won a beauty parade to advise the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on the awarding of a new round of rail franchises.

The pair beat magic circle firms Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy and Linklaters as well as Berwin Leighton Paisner, Pinsent Masons and CMS Cameron McKenna to advise on the mandates, which are each expected to be worth between £2bn and £4bn.