Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has hired a second partner from Ashurst to enhance its corporate practice in London.

Nigel Stacey, who handles M&A and corporate finance matters makes the move to the US firm just over a month since former colleague Jonathan Earle made a similar switch.

His recent work includes advice to Vedanta on its $10.3 billion acqistion of Sterlite Industries and assisting Fushion IP on its proposed takeover by the IP Group.

The departure is a another blow to the Ashurst team, which alongside Earle was also hit by the departure of former corporate head Stephen Lloyd and private equity partner Karan Dinamani to Allen & Overy in November 2013 and March 2014 respectively.