Ashurst has appointed Simon Beddow as co-head of the firm's global corporate, commercial and competition practice, following the resignation of Stephen Lloyd last month.

Beddow will work alongside Sydney-based co-head Phil Breden.

Beddow became a partner at Ashurst in 1998 and was appointed managing partner in Germany in 2005 before returning to London in 2009. He was appointed as European managing partner of corporate in 2010.

He has experience in all aspects of UK and international corporate finance and public and private M&A transactions, IPOs, secondary issues and private equity transactions.

Beddow said: "In the last six months we have seen an upturn in private equity and M&A and the IPO market has been storming. It's been a great year for the capital markets team and there is more work in the pipeline. It is sad when a partner leaves but we have a really strong team of lawyers and expect great success over the coming months. Our focus for the next 12 months is to build our strength in Germany and do more cross-border work to get the most out of our global network."

Managing partner James Collis commented: "Simon has substantial international leadership experience. His determination, strategic insight and energy make him the ideal candidate for the role of co-head. Our CCC division is performing very strongly and Simon and Phil will make an exceptionally strong management team."

Former co-head of the CCC division Stephen Lloyd, resigned from the firm in November and will be joining Allen & Overy in the New Year.

Beddow has advised on the re-organisation of Arla Foods and acted for bingo and casino group Gala on its £2.18bn acquisition of Coral Eurobet.