Ashurst and Linklaters take lead on oil giant takeover

Ashurst and Linklaters have landed lead roles on the proposed £1.4bn takeover of Russian oil exploration giant Imperial Energy. The deal sees Linklaters score a role for Indian corporate ONGC Videsh, whose offer for the oil company has now been recommended and is subject to approval from the Russian government. Imperial turned to regular adviser Ashurst for the takeover bid.