Nabarro has landed its first deal for new client Heineken International – advising on a joint venture in South Africa.

The top 30 UK firm won the drinks giant as a client through corporate partner Patrick Speller, who joined Nabarro last summer from Allen & Overy (A&O).

Speller had been a partner at A&O since 2000 and built his relationship with Heineken during his time at the magic circle firm. He has continued the relationship since joining Nabarro.

Nabarro's instruction has seen it advising the drinks company on a three-way joint venture with Diageo and Namibia Breweries for their combined beer, cider and ready-to-drink beverage businesses in South Africa.

In addition to the venture, called DHN Drinks, Heineken and Diageo have announced a new venture to build a brewery in the country, which will produce drinks for the joint venture, including Amstel and Heineken beers. Heineken expects its investment in South Africa to be in the region of E280m (£221m).

Speller said: "I did some work for Heineken when I was at A&O and I kept in contact with them. It made sense for the brewers to join up when you are trying to beat South African Breweries, which has around 90% of the market."