Simmons & Simmons has edged out DLA Piper and Eversheds to become the preferred legal adviser for £1bn turnover outsourcing specialist Sitel.

When Sitel merged with ClientLogic in 2007 the group had more than 100 law firms on its books.

Sitel assistant general counsel John Hayward said: "The genesis for this relationship is the fact that there have been a number of different suppliers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa [Emea]. The whole point is to get a big European player who can help us rationalise that background."

Simmons had not previously been instructed by Sitel. It will become preferred counsel for Emea and will manage the use of preferred local firms.