Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters have taken lead roles on one of the biggest M&A deals in Asia this year – HSBC’s sale of a 15.6% stake in China’s Ping An Insurance for $9.4bn (£5.9bn).

The magic circle firms fielded their top M&A partners in Hong Kong on the deal, which saw the bank sell its minority stake (15.57%) in the Chinese insurance group to Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group).