White & Case and Kirkland & Ellis were the top law firms advising on M&A in the consumer sector in the opening six months of 2023, analysis of deal data suggests.

According to GlobalData, Just Drinks’ parent, White & Case led the way when measuring the value of deals, while Kirkland & Ellis advised on the most transactions.

Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData, said: “White & Case advised on nine deals including a deal valued at $2.8bn, which played a crucial role in securing the top position by value. White & Case also saw its ranking improve from 14th position by value in H1 2022 to the top position in H1 2023.

“Kirkland & Ellis was the top adviser by volume in H1 2022 and was also able to retain its leadership position by this metric in H1 2023. It was short of only two deals from hitting the 20 deals volume mark.”

Looking at the value of deals, US-based Weil, Gotshal & Manges jumped from 12th a year ago to second in the first half of 2023. The law firm was fifth by number of transactions, advising on seven deals worth $3.3bn.

Davis Polk & Wardwell was third by deal value, followed by Latham & Watkins and US firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Latham & Watkins was second when looking at the volume of transactions, with CMS third and White & Case fourth.

GlobalData’s league tables are based on the real-time tracking of thousands of company websites, advisory firm websites and other reliable sources available on the secondary domain. A dedicated team of analysts monitors all these sources to gather in-depth details for each deal, including adviser names.

 To ensure further robustness to the data, the company also seeks submissions of deals from leading advisers.