Legal firm, Powell Goldstein LLP has been ranked first nationally, for performing the highest volume of merger and acquisition banking deals during the first quarter of 2007.

According to a report released by SNL Financial, the firm completed six bank deals during the first quarter, worth $474.0 million. Another three law firms jointly took second position with four bank deals each.

SNL Financial is a sector-specific financial information and research firm.

Walter G. Moeling IV, chair of Powell Goldstein's Financial Institutions Practice, said, 'We are certainly very pleased to be ranked at the top for M&A deals, because we feel it is a reflection of our clients' satisfaction. To us, that is the most important gauge of our success and we are dedicated to delivering that every day.'