Linklaters and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have scored the leading roles on Chinese conglomerate Sanpower Group’s purchase of an 89% stake in department store chain House of Fraser.

Sanpower, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, is set to buy the stake in the 165 year-old UK and Ireland brand through subsidiary Nanjing Cenbest in a deal worth around £480m. The acquisition is expected to close in four months.