Eversheds has closed its first corporate deal for Sony Ericsson after advising the mobile phone giant on its recent acquisition of Swedish software company UIQ Technology from Symbian.

The national firm landed the coveted mandate ahead of regular UK adviser Baker & McKenzie, which has previously handled much of Sony Ericsson's domestic legal work.

The deal, which closed last month, sees the company take on UIQ, which licenses its hi-tech software and applications for phones to global mobile companies, including Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

The company has previously worked with Sony Ericsson on the development of the latest version of its software, which will be used by its new smartphones and Walkman mobile phone. UIQ will now operate as a subsidiary of Sony Ericsson.

Corporate associate Paul Pugh and commercial associate Jean-Pascal Boutin led the team for Eversheds, with support from associate Bart Kamya, senior associate Caspar Fox, commercial partner Stephen Rose and associate Matthew Woodford.

Commenting on the deal, Pugh said: "This is a well thought out strategic acquisition for Sony Ericsson – ensuring its mobile phones remain on the cutting edge."

Sony Ericsson also received local advice from Swedish firm Wistrand.

Slaughter and May acted for Symbian on UK aspects of the deal, with partner Richard De Carle taking the lead role.