Lovells has landed a plum role advising new client Autogrill on its £545m purchase of World Duty Free Europe (WDF) from airport operator BAA.

M&A partner Steven Bryan is leading the team for the top 10 City law firm, alongside fellow partners Kevin Ashman (tax), David Harper (employment) and Nick Broomfield and Lesley Ainsworth (both competition).

The deal sees Autogrill gain the exclusive rights to run 58 duty-free retail outlets at London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead in a 12-year concession from BAA, subject to regulatory clearance.

The role represents a boost for Lovells' corporate team, with Autogrill having last year turned to elite City firm Slaughter and May for advice on its acquisition of UK retailer and caterer Alpha Airports Group for around £194m.

The latest deal comes as BAA continues with its ongoing disposal of non-core assets in a bid to reduce existing debts.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised regular client BAA, with corporate partner Laurie McFadden leading for the magic circle giant.

Additional advice was provided by intellectual property (IP) partner Richard Lister and senior associates Tim Wilmot (corporate) and Lindsey Canning (IP).

Lovells' Bryan commented: "[Autogrill was] very happy with the work we did for them and we're optimistic of working together on future deals."