Clyde & Co has won a role advising on one of the largest ever mergers of ship management companies, acting opposite Hong Kong firm Howse Williams Bowers.

The deal saw Anglo-Eastern Ship Management complete its global merger with Univan Ship Management Group creating Anglo-Eastern Univan Group.

Clyde & Co advised Anglo-Eastern on the merger with team led by finance partner Conor Warde out of Hong Kong. Warde was supported by Singapore corporate head Ian Stewart. In India the transaction team was headed by partner Vineet Aneja, of Clyde & Co's associated firm Clasis Law.

Warde said: "We were privileged to be a part of this transformative merger and firmly believe that the Anglo-Eastern Univan Group will be a leading force in the market for many years to come."

Univan turned to Hong Kong firm Howse Williams Bowers, which advised on all aspects on the transaction. The firm's team was led by corporate finance partner Chris Williams and M&A partner Katherine Chuang.

Legal Week understands that Lea & White partner David White also provided advice on the deal in an individual capacity.

The merger has created one of the top three global shipping management companies with 1,700 shore-based staff, 24,000 seafarers, 600 ships under full management, and 100 ships under crew management only.