Magic circle duo Linklaters and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have won roles on the rescue mission of troubled German bank IKB, as the turmoil in the credit markets threatens to hit Continental Europe.

The firms are advising on the closely-watched process, in which a pool of German banks, led by state-owned KfW, have put together a A8.1bn (£5.8bn) rescue fund for IKB. It is understood the bank is still pondering a long-term solution.