Allen & Overy (A&O) has scooped a plum role as a key adviser on international defence giant Northrop Grumman’s European roster.

The magic circle firm last month won a tender to handle all of Northrop Grumman’s benefits work across the Continent, with London employment, pensions and incentives partner Sylvie Watts heading the team. It is the first time the company has held a tender for this sort of work in Europe.