Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Allen & Overy (A&O) have taken lead roles on the merger of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) with TMX Group, which owns and operates the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Freshfields is fielding a team led by corporate partners Philip Richards and Andrew Hutchings on the deal, which will combine Europe's and Canada's leading diversified exchange groups.

Other partners on the Freshfields team include Jonathan Cooklin (tax), Jocelyn Mitchell (employment and share schemes) and Simon Priddis and Tom Ensign (competition).