Linklaters and Paul Hastings took lead roles as Chinese meat processing giant Shuanghui International tied-up with Mexican food company Sigma Alimentos in a joint bid for share control of Spanish processed-meat business, the Campofrio Food Group.

The deal, worth approximately $966m but still subject to approval, will see Sigma and Shuanghui combine their existing stakes in the company and offer €6.90 per share for the remaining stock. Together they currently own 82% of Campofrio's shares.

Acting for Sigma on the transaction was magic circle firm Linklaters, with a team led by Madrid corporate partner Alejandro Ortiz.

In a series of purchases from November 13 to November 27, Sigma acquired approximately 45% of Campofrio.

US outfit Paul Hastings represented Shuanghui on the deal, having previously acted for the Hong Kong-based company on its $7.1bn acquisition of Smithfields last year, and it's associated fundraising activities.

Leading the group was M&A partner Carl Sanchez in San Diego, with assistance from Hong Kong corporate partners Raymond Li, Vivian Lam, Catherine Tsang.

Other firms on the deal included Barcelona-headquartered Cuatrecasas, Gon