Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has landed the coveted lead role on Finmeccanica’s £1bn purchase of a stake in AgustaWestland, courtesy of its recent hire of Italian rainmaker Roberto Casati.

The high-profile deal sees Finmeccanica agree to purchase the whole of GKN’s 50% stake in AgustaWestland for a total of £1.01bn, which includes the UK real estate assets owned by GKN, valued at £62m.