Clifford Chance (CC) has scored its first UK deal for buy-out house 3i, advising on the £228m acquisition of inspection and testing business Inspicio.

Relationship partner Simon Tinkler led the team for the magic circle giant alongside corporate partner Patrick Sarch and finance partner James Butters.

While CC has previously acted for 3i on European deals in Germany, Norway and the Netherlands, as well as Singapore, Hong Kong and China, the City giant had not completed a UK deal for the client.

3i, one of Europe's largest private equity firms, historically shares out its work between CC and City firms Macfarlanes and Travers Smith, with Travers having landed the lion's share of its UK work of late.

Commenting on the mandate, Tinkler said: "We have worked with 3i on a number of [domestic] deals over the past couple of years but have failed to get one away. It is great to have worked on this with them [and] it is an especial achievement in the current markets."

He added: "The benefits of having private equity expertise across the globe have really helped us develop our links with 3i and hopefully will continue."

Jones Day corporate partner Leon Ferera advised Inspicio, while Hammonds corporate partner Mark Robson advised the company's management team.

Inspicio, which is listed on London's Alternative Investment Market, tests various food and pharmaceutical products, as well as operating a business arm inspecting laboratories.