Simmons & Simmons has scored a role advising UK cash machine operator LINK Interchange Network on its proposed £420m merger with Voca.

The merger bid, which was announced on 6 March, would see LINK combine with Voca, the largest processor of direct debits and credit transfers in Europe, to create a new firm to be known as VocaLINK.

Simmons corporate partner Richard May led the team advising LINK. Partner Jenny Block advised both LINK and Voca on competition aspects of the proposed merger.

Osborne Clarke financial services partner Paul Anning advised Voca on all other aspects of the merger.

May commented: "The deal brings together two organisations critical for payment structures in the UK. The companies underlie most of the UK's transactions and the merged entity will give a platform for future growth."

LINK is owned by 22 financial institutions, including all of the UK's major retail banks and building societies. It provides the switching and network services which connect members of the LINK ATM scheme. Voca is owned by 12 financial institutions, most of which are also shareholders in LINK.

Simmons advised LINK at the end of last year on a major review of its constitutional and governance changes, having won the work through a competitive pitch. In the past, the company has used a number of firms, including Eversheds.