Linklaters has significantly extended its lead in the equity capital markets rankings, with the firm now $30bn (£14.8bn) and 35 deals ahead of the nearest competition.

The magic circle giant, which rose to the top of the tables in the first half of 2007 after being placed third at the end of 2006, has for the first half of 2007 accumulated 56 deals worth $41.9bn (£20.6bn), according to research compiled by Thomson Financial.