Eversheds Sutherland, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Ashurst are advising on the £975m sale of cheese producer Dairy Crest to Canadian dairy company Saputo.

Eversheds has won the lead mandate for Dairy Crest, which produces Cathedral City cheddar, Frylight cooking spray and Country Life butter among other dairy-based products.

The company, which employs 1,100 people and is headquartered in Surrey, is a longstanding client of the firm. In 2012, Eversheds advised when it sold its French arm to Montagu Private Equity.

Eversheds' team advising Dairy Crest is led by corporate partner Aleen Gulvanessian and includes corporate partner Stephen Nash and corporate legal director Mark Roe.

Freshfields is advising Saputo, according to the company's statement. Saputo produces, markets and distributes an array of dairy products, including cheese, extended-shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients.

Meanwhile, Ashurst is advising Saputo's financial adviser Lazard on the deal. Its team is led by corporate partner Karen Davies and includes loans partner Tim Rennie.