DLA Piper has retained its number one ranking by deal volume in 2011 amongst the top corporate law firms, both globally and in the United Kingdom, according to mergermarket’s league tables for legal advisors. The firm also rose up the ranks to second place in Europe, up from fourth in 2010, and retained its fourth position ranking in the Americas.

DLA Piper’s involvement in 347 transactions in 2011 valued at almost US$58 billion, as reported by mergermarket, reflects an increase in the number and value of deals the firm advised upon in several markets including across Europe, Greater China, South Korea and South East Asia. The impressive increases in rankings in various countries were recognised by mergermarket when awarding DLA Piper European Mid-Market Law Firm of the Year at its awards in December 2011.

Noteworthy deals in which DLA Piper was involved include Banco Santander's acquisition of 100 percent of the share capital of Bank Zachodni WBK of Poland for €4.2 billion; Qualcomm Incorporated's acquisition of Atheros Communications in a deal worth US$3.1 billion; and the Government of Hungary's acquisition of a 21.2 stake in MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company for £1.6 billion.

During 2011, the firm also facilitated PopCap Games' acquisition by Electronic Arts for US$1.3 billion; Abengoa, S.A's. sale of the entire issued share capital of Telvent GIT, S.A. to energy management technology company Schneider Electric S.A. for US$1.3 billion; Radiant Systems Incorporated's acquisition by US-based financial services company Comerica Corporation for US$1.03 billion; Australia-based Wishlist Holdings in its acquisition by Qantas Frequent Flyer Limited, including the rewards and loyalty programs of ANZ, Optus and Telstra for an undisclosed value; and Hong Kong listed supplier of mining equipment, ERA Mining, on its US$886m acquisition by Caterpillar Inc.

The end of year M&A rankings top a very successful year for the DLA Piper Global Corporate team who, in addition to mergermarket's European Mid-Market Law Firm of the Year, also won the following awards and distinctions: Sub-Saharan Africa M&A Legal Adviser of the Year at the FT mergermarket European M&A Awards; M&A Lawyer of the Year - Mabel Lui, Cross Border M&A Deal of the Year - Middle Markets, and China M&A Deal of the Year Award, all at the M&A Atlas Awards 2011 - Asia Pacific Middle Markets; Band 1 – The Highly Regarded: Nationwide M&A (Chambers USA, 2011). In 2011 Ukrainian team of DLA Piper was ranked in second tier for Corporate by Chambers Europe 2011 (on the contrary to tier 3 in 2010).

ENDS

For further information:

Nataliya Tkachenko, Marketing Manager,
DLA Piper Ukraine LLC, Tel: +380 44 490
9579 or Email: nataliya.tkachenko@dlapiper.com

Notes to editors:

1. DLA Piper Ukraine LLC is part of DLA Piper, a global law firm, operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. The Kyiv team comprises more than 35 lawyers and is headed by Managing Partner Margarita Karpenko.

2. DLA Piper is a global law firm with 4,200 lawyers across 77 offices and 31 countries. From its offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, legal and business advisers provide a comprehensive range of services to local, regional and international businesses.

3.For further information about our organisation and services, please visit our website: www.dlapiper.com.