Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has appointed David Collins as its new head of corporate, with former Linklaters corporate chief David Barnes succeeding him as head of the firm's corporate finance practice.

Collins, who also leads the firm's betting and gaming sector group, has led BLP's corporate finance team since 2001, when he also became a member of the firm's strategy group.

He is top-ranked by Chambers and Partners for UK capital markets and London mid-market corporate/M&A.

The appointment comes shortly after the firm handed former corporate chief John Bennett a new brief as international business partner, which will see him focus on growing BLP's international business in regions such as Asia and the US.

Meanwhile, Collins will be succeeded in his role as head of corporate finance by former Linklaters global corporate head Barnes (pictured), who joined BLP from the magic circle firm last year after announcing his retirement in June 2011.

Both roles will come into effect on 1 April this year.

BLP managing partner Neville Eisenberg commented: "David Collins has made a valuable contribution to the firm's corporate finance practice over the years and emerged as the obvious candidate to become the firm's new corporate departmental managing partner.

"Together with David Barnes leading the corporate finance group, their combined experience and market reputation gives me great confidence in the further development of the strength and depth of BLP's corporate practice."

Barnes retired from Linklaters after 36 years at the firm, 26 of which were spent in the partnership. He was global head of corporate from 2005-10.

Click here for a Dealmaker interview with David Collins.

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