The top two banks in the UK mergers and acquisitions league table are set to extend their lead over rivals after winning roles on defense and aerospace company Cobham’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Aeroflex.

Cobham, based in Dorset, is buying US wireless communications company Aeroflex for $10.50 per share in cash, the company said on Tuesday. Cobham is placing shares representing about 6% of its share capital to fund the deal, which is expected to complete in the third quarter this year.