DEALS OF THE YEAR 2001 - Gems in a grim year

Most people were glad to see the back of 2001, but there were highlights amid the gloom. In issuance terms it was the reverse of 2000: plenty of impressive bond issuance but a dearth of new equity. Our deals of the year for 2001 were those that battled volatile market conditions and still produced successful, innovative transactions. By Chris Wright and Fiona Haddock.