Centrica is set to kick off a tender process to create its first legal panel as the energy giant moves to formalise its relationships with external legal providers.

Early-stage discussions this month have seen Centrica float the idea of creating a panel of preferred legal providers. In the past, the company has worked with a variety of firms, including Allen & Overy, Ashurst, Herbert Smith, Eversheds, Linklaters and Slaughter and May.