Linklaters and Baker & McKenzie have taken lead roles on a $4bn (£2.5bn) energy deal that saw French oil company Total buy a 12% stake in Russian gas producer Novatek as part of a strategic partnership.

Linklaters advised the acquirer on the deal, which also saw Total take a 20% stake in Novatek’s Yamal liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. London corporate partner Dominic Sanders led the Linklaters team advising Total.