Herbert Smith's formal German ally, Gleiss Lutz Hootz Hirsch, has reinforced its reputation as a top corporate firm, as research published this month shows the Stuttgart-based firm challenging corporate leader Hengeler Mueller for M&A work.

Mergermarket's rankings of the top independent firms in Continental Europe in the third quarter show Gleiss Lutz coming just behind Hengeler Mueller, advising on 15 deals valued at £27.5bn in the third quarter of 2001.

Swedish firm Vinge ranked third in the European tables, advising on 41 deals with a combined value of £13.9bn, ahead of seventh-ranked Swedish rival Mannheimer & Swartling.