Clifford Chance (CC) and Sullivan & Cromwell have won coveted roles on one of Europe's biggest-ever deals – acting for Barclays on its £80bn merger bid with ABN Amro.

Davis Polk & Wardwell has been confirmed as adviser to ABN on US issues with Allen & Overy (A&O) in line to advise in Europe.

The banks confirmed earlier this week (19 March) that they had entered into exclusive talks regarding a possible union after several days of intense speculation over the Dutch bank's future.