Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Hogan Lovells have taken lead roles on the €1.1bn (£906m) refinancing of DUKE Real Estate.

DUKE, a 50/50 joint venture between European real estate investor Valad and Lloyds Banking Group, was formed in July 2009 for an initial three-year term with a portfolio comprising around 100 properties.

Freshfields led for the venture on the refinancing of its debt facilities, with London banking head David Trott (pictured) heading up the firm's team alongside City corporate partner Robert Stirling.

Hogan Lovells took the lead role for Lloyds, fielding a team including finance partner Paul McLoughlin and of counsel Angus Gill.

The refinancing extends the term of DUKE's debt facilities to December 2016.

Trott said: "Following our involvement in DUKE's structuring in 2009, we are delighted to have worked closely with the Valad team to achieve this refinancing. The extension until 2016 will enable returns to the DUKE JV to be maximised through continuing income growth and the completion of further asset management initiatives."

The mandate for Freshfields comes alongside a number of recent key roles for the firm, including two high-profile disputes involving US tech giant Apple, as the company goes head-to-head with both Samsung and the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

The magic circle firm is advising Apple on a design infringement claim against Samsung, as well as representing publishing group Hachette on a battle with the DoJ after the US Government accused Apple and a number of major publishers of colluding over the pricing of e-books.