Simmons & Simmons has won the lead role on the $1.9bn (£921m) initial public offering of Gottex Fund Management Holdings on the Swiss Stock Exchange. The listing makes Gottex the first-ever fund of funds manager to list on a stock market.

Simmons fielded a team from its London office to advise Gottex, which became the biggest company to list on the Swiss exchange so far this year when it was admitted in early November. Corporate partner Colin Leaver led the team, assisted by fellow corporate partners Giles Dennison and Richard May.

Simmons also advised Gottex on its reorganisation prior to listing as well as on a number of employee benefits arrangements.

Homburger acted as Swiss counsel to Gottex, with Ogier advising in Guernsey.

Sullivan & Cromwell acted for global coordinator Morgan Stanley with London corporate partner David Rockwell taking the lead.

The instruction builds on Simmons' existing relationship with Gottex, which it has advised since 2004.

Leaver commented: "We initially got involved for the group around three years ago and have since given advice on a number of their English law asset management transactions. We are in a leading position advising hedge funds and funds of funds and it is great to be involved in the first fund of funds to list."

This is the latest in a string of high-profile deals for Simmons' corporate team in the last few months, with the firm also taking a role advising Royal London Mutual Insurance Society on its involvement in Pearl Assurance's £5bn offer for Resolution.

The firm was also instructed for the partners of Brevan Howard Asset Management on the sale of a 15% stake to Swiss Re last month.