Slicker-than-an-oiled-cormorant City outfit Travers Smith was last week celebrating its latest transactional coup as private equity pinch-hitters Chris Hale and David Innes advised long-time deal-date 3i on its purchase of high-end pants brand Agent Provocateur.

Hale and Innes took the lead as Hammonds acted for the vendor and Pinsent Masons got all touchy-feely with management on the £60m sale.