Shearman & Sterling and Linklaters have taken lead roles on Barrick Gold's spin-off of its African mining assets and subsequent listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Canada's Barrick, the largest gold miner in the world, will list its Tanzanian mining assets as African Black Gold (ABG) with a pricing set to take place in the next fortnight.

ABG's market capitalisation will reportedly reach $3.7bn (£2.4bn), which could see it enter straight into the FTSE 100.

Shearman was instructed by regular client Barrick, with the firm's London office taking the lead role. M&A partner Laurence Levy and finance partner Mei Lian led the firm's team.

Linklaters is advising the banks with a team headed up by London corporate partner Charlie Jacobs (pictured) and US capital markets partner Pam Shores.

Baker & McKenzie acted as Barrick's primary UK tax counsel on the structuring and intended float of ABG with a team lead by partner James MacLachlan.

The initial public offering will be a boost to the London market after a number of listings recently fell by the wayside, including Travelport, New Look and Merlin Entertainments.

Linklaters advised on Mexican silver mining company Fresnillo's 2008 listing on London's main market with Jacobs also the lead partner on that occasion.

Earlier this year the magic circle firm advised on a $2.7bn (£1.6bn) financing package for UK-listed mining group Kazakhmys, alongside Norton Rose.