Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has maintained its lead at the top of 2007′s primary adviser rankings, holding off a strong showing from Clifford Chance (CC) and Allen & Overy (A&O) to record its third successive year as Europe’s premier deal firm.

Legal Week research in association with its data partner Mergermarket shows the magic circle firm took a lead role on more than a quarter – 51 – of Europe’s top 200 deals of the year, as well as topping the table by value.