Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Dickson Minto have won roles on the near-£1bn takeover attempt of pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) by billionaire Joe Lewis’ Piedmont investment vehicle.

Freshfields is advising M&B on the bid with a team led by corporate partners Chris Mort and Barry O’Brien. The role comes after the City firm, a longstanding adviser to M&B, was appointed as exclusive legal provider for M&B’s London work last year.