Clifford Chance (CC) has restructured its UK corporate practice, in a move that has seen private equity heavyweights Adam Signy and Matthew Layton take control of the public M&A group.

The magic circle firm has merged its much-vaunted London private equity department with its two international M&A teams to create one group co-led by Signy and Layton. The change is part of a bid by the firm to improve client relationships and give associates exposure to a wider range of work.