Merrill Lynch's Philip Yates has become European head of mergers and acquisitions, taking over from Daniel Dickinson, who was responsible for M&A in the region in his capacity as global co-head of M&A.

Dickinson moved from the US to head Merrill's European, Middle East and African (EMEA) M&A operations two years ago, and about eight months ago was promoted to global co-head of M&A, along with Steven Baronoff, after former global head Jack Levy quit to join Goldman Sachs.