Allen & Overy (A&O) has taken a lead role on the $1.5bn (£770m) acquisition of Kazakhstan's largest power producer, bagging a new client in the process.

The deal saw A&O advising new client, copper producer Kazakhmys, on its acquisition of Ekibastuz power plant and Maikuben West coal mine in Kazakhstan for up to $1.5bn. The magic circle law firm, which won the client after taking part in a competitive pitching process last year, fielded a team under corporate partner Keith McGuire and projects partner Nigel Pritchard. A&O acted alongside Salans' Almaty office, which advised on local law.

Meanwhile, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer took the lead role for the seller, power group AES Corporation. Corporate partner Stephen Revell and projects partner Mark Coker led the firm's team. Freshfields had been advising the company, a longstanding client, on a number of different options for the power plant before going ahead with the sale.