Allen & Overy (A&O) has taken a lead role as General Motors (GM) and Spyker reached an agreement for the purchase of Saab Automobile yesterday (26 January) after months of discussions.

The magic circle firm advised Spyker on the deal, which has been agreed at a cut-price value of $400m (£247m), but will see the small Dutch auto maker save the Saab brand from disappearing after GM announced plans to wind down operations late last year.