Cable & Wireless global legal head Dan Fitz is leaving the company to be replaced by Reuters deputy general counsel Andrew Garard.

The announcement was made earlier this month and will see Garard start at the struggling telecoms giant on 2 July.

The appointment will be closely watched by Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw, which has strong ties with Reuters and Garard and has acted for Cable & Wireless on corporate deals, but will be keen to extend its remit.

Other advisers to Cable & Wireless include primary finance adviser Allen & Overy, Richards Butler for general commercial work and DLA.

It is not yet known what Fitz's next career move will be.

The changes come as Cable & Wireless is reviewing its business under the lead of a new chief executive Francesco Caio to cope with the sharp downturn in its core telecoms business.

Caio is believed to be pushing for the company to dispose of its loss-making US operations to focus on its core UK and Caribbean holdings.

One partner with a Cable & Wireless adviser commented: "[The company] is looking at making big changes and it wanted someone like Andrew on board to help push them through."

Reuters has traditionally instructed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Slaughter and May and Mayer Brown. The company is currently considering whether to appoint a new deputy general counsel.

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