Clifford Chance (CC) and Allen & Overy (A&O) have scored lead roles on the near-£1bn purchase of a 60% stake in UK retailer B&M Bargains by US private equity group Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

CD&R has bought the majority stake in the Liverpool-based discount chain from Manchester businessmen Simon, Bobby and Robin Arora, who have built up the business since acquiring it in 2005. The deal, which is reportedly worth £965m, is expected to close early in 2013.

CC acted for CD&R and the banks, with the firm's teams separated by a Chinese wall. The magic circle law firm's team advising CD&R on M&A and private equity matters was led by London corporate head Simon Tinkler (pictured), alongside real estate partner Catherine Cook, intellectual property partner Vanessa Marsland, tax partner Nick Mace and employment partner Mike Crossan.

Tinkler said: "B&M has around 300 stores, many of which were put together through individual acquisitions. It was a hugely intense process – not a lot of sleep was involved. I think the deal shows the spirit of entrepreneurship is still alive – the Arora brothers have set a great example in terms of successfully growing a business from almost nothing."

CC banking partner Karen Hodson led the firm's team advising the banks, while CD&R also instructed Debevoise & Plimpton on debt terms, with a team led by London corporate partner Alan Davies. 

A&O represented the Arora family on the sale process, management and reinvestment with a team including M&A partner George Knighton and finance partner Jonathan Brownson.