Ashurst, Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson and Linklaters have landed plum roles on two multi-billion pound deals – NTL's £9bn approach for ITV and Scottish Power's £12bn sale.

Ashurst and Fried Frank teamed up to secure the mandate to jointly advise NTL on its approach for ITV.

The two firms, which held failed merger talks in 2003, are advising the telecoms giant as it emerges as a bidder for the UK television broadcaster, in a deal that would be worth around £9bn.