Linklaters has bagged a high-profile lead role advising Rio Tinto on its approach for Canadian metal group Alcan, likely to be worth around $34bn (£16.8bn).

City-based corporate partner Richard Godden is leading the Linklaters team advising Rio Tinto. Also playing key roles for the elite City law firm are fellow corporate partner James Inglis, competition partner Gavin Robert and banking partner Stuart Thomas.