Macfarlanes has sealed the prestigious lead role advising Pernod Ricard on its expected £7bn bid for Allied Domecq, the world’s second biggest spirits company.

French spirits giant Pernod, the industry’s third largest conglomerate, is an existing client of Macfarlanes. In 2000, the firm notably represented Pernod on its £5bn joint purchase with Diageo of Seagram’s wine and spirits business.