Linklaters and Slaughter and May are advising on HSBC’s proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in South Africa’s Nedbank, a deal which could be worth up to R49.9bn (£4.4bn).

Linklaters is acting for HSBC on its exclusive talks with Nedbank majority investor Old Mutual, with the magic circle firm’s team led by corporate partner Robert Cleaver. Old Mutual currently holds a stake of approximately 52% in Nedbank.