Mergers & acquisitions

Speciality Managing General Agent (MGA) Landmark Underwriting, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, has completed two acquisitions.

Speciality Managing General Agent (MGA) Landmark Underwriting, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, has completed two acquisitions. South East Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore advised Landmark on the deals, which form part of the MGA’s wider growth ambitions.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Nurture Landscapes on its acquisition of Indoor Garden Design

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised long-term client Nurture Landscapes on its most recent acquisition of interior landscaping specialist Indoor Garden Design (IGD).

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises the Motorline Group on multi-million pound sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Leading South East Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore, has advised long-term client the Motorline Group (Motorline) on its sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc (Marshall), in a multi-disciplinary and complex M&A transaction which involved the acquisition of the entire share capital of Motorline for a cash consideration of £64.5million.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Nurture Landscapes on its acquisition of Rokill

Leading law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised long-term client Nurture Landscapes on its most recent acquisition of national pest control business, Rokill.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises CML Microsystems PLC on purchase of semiconductor design house

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently acted for longstanding client, CML Microsystems Plc (CML), on its purchase of Plextek RFI Limited (PRFI), a leading semiconductor design house. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on MBO of Kent Fresh Produce Distributor

Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised on the management buy out of a Kent based fresh produce storage and distributor.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on research agency acquisition 

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s corporate team recently acted for long-standing creative services client in relation to the acquisition of the business and assets of a research agency.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise long-standing client on family transfer of shares

Thomson Snell & Passmore corporate team recently acted for long-standing client in relation to the transfer of shares between family members. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on sale of specialist environmental consultancy

Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised Dr Peter Fisk and his wife Carol in relation to the sale of their company, Peter Fisk Associates Limited, in a management buy-out to the existing management team comprising Oliver Warwick, Louise McLaughlin and Ros Wildey. 

CML Microsystems Plc Acquires Plextek RFI Ltd

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore confirms that CML Microsystems Plc (“CML”), which designs, manufactures and markets semiconductors, primarily for global communication and solid state storage markets, has acquired 100% of the share capital of UK-based Plextek RFI Ltd ("PRFI").

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on the sale of a medical malpractice insurance brokerage

We advised Foley Healthcare Limited, a medical malpractice insurance brokerage, on its acquisition by Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on purchase of assets of a laboratory equipment manufacturer

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently acted for a long-standing client in relation to the purchase of the assets of a business specialising in the design and manufacture of specialist laboratory equipment, based in Norfolk.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on asset purchase for specialist printing company

We recently advised our client, one of the UK’s leading specialist printers, on an asset acquisition from another printing company.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on sale of a golf club

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently acted for a new client in relation to the sale of a golf club in East Sussex.

Nurture Landscapes completes three acquisitions

The Corporate & Commercial team here at Thomson Snell & Passmore is delighted to say that it has recently assisted Nurture Landscapes in its three recent acquisitions (Eco Landscapes, Demita Plants and Jordans Interiors).

A summer of sunshine, sales and acquisitions

It has been a scorching summer for Thomson Snell & Passmore's Corporate team and not just because of the weather.

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore advises shareholders of Iphelion

Iphelion Limited, a UK-based template management company, has been acquired by BigHand Limited, a provider of digital dictation software & workflow solutions.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise on purchase of the business and assets of a construction company

We recently advised our client in relation to a pre-pack purchase of the business and assets of a construction company that had gone into administration.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise on purchase of shares in software and marketing company

We recently advised our client, a company specialising in the direct mail and marketing industry, in relation to the purchase of shares in an established software solutions company.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise care home owners on sale of care home business in St Leonards-on-sea

We advised the owners on the sale of their residential care home in St Leonards-on-sea.

Sale of the entire issued share capital of a building services company

We acted in the sale of the entire issued share capital of a building services company who provide consultancy services to the construction industry.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise nurture landscapes on their 19th acquisition

The corporate and commercial team here at Thomson Snell & Passmore is delighted to say that it has recently assisted Nurture Landscapes in making made its 19th acquisition. Nurture has bought Enterprise Plants, a company with £4m annual sales based in Upminster, Essex.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on the purchase of luxury self-catering holiday cottage business, Compton Pool Farm

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore have advised on the purchase of the highly successful luxury self-catering holiday cottage business, Compton Pool Farm. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on sale of franchise business

Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised Goldex Investments Limited, a major Costa Coffee franchisee in the UK

FORTEC Elektronik AG expands presence in the UK market

Leading South East law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore, have advised FORTEC Elektronik AG as it consolidates plans to further strengthen its position in the UK data visualization sector.

Advising Motorline on its strategic acquisition of Hyundai digital stores

We advised our long-standing client Motorline Group on its recent acquisition of two Hyundai digital stores in Bluewater and Westfield Stratford, and its acquisition of the Hyundai Aftersales Centre in Dartford.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise the UK’s leading knife sharpening supplier on a second asset acquisition of the year

Following a successful asset acquisition in early 2018, we advised our existing family business client in relation to a second acquisition of the year.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise on the sale of Weald Insurance to Broker Network

We advised the shareholders of Weald Broking Management Limited, the holding company of Weald Insurance Brokers Limited, in relation to the sale of the company to a newly incorporated special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Thomson Snell & Passmore co-ordinates asset purchase

We assisted an exhibition stand designer company with strategic succession planning via asset purchase.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise the UK’s leading and longest established knife sharpening and food processing supplier on asset acquisition

We advised our existing family business client in connection with a business asset acquisition in the form of goodwill, stock and machinery.

Thomson Snell & Passmore co-ordinates cross-border sale of global manufacturer

We advised in connection with the UK elements of the sale of a multinational corporation to a private equity fund via a combination of share and asset sales and purchase transactions.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise long-standing client Colas Limited on their latest acquisition

Thomson Snell & Passmore has acted for national civil engineering firm, Colas Limited, a long-standing client of the firm, in respect of its recent acquisition

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise specialist security door company on strategic acquisition

We acted for Sunray Engineering Limited on the acquisition of Prestige Fire Door Services Limited; a specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of specialist fire doors.

Sale of Orpington Timber & Building Supplies to Covers Timber & Builders Merchants

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently acted for the shareholders of Orpington Timber & Building Supplies Limited (OTBS) in relation to the sale of the company to Covers Timber & Building Merchants Limited.

Acquisition of FoxWood Maclean

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently acted for Alexandre Boyes, the Tunbridge Wells based agents, in relation to their acquisition of the sales and lettings business of FoxWood Maclean’s Edenbridge branch.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise on purchase of Aldenham Golf & Country Club

We advised a long-standing client, based in the construction industry on its purchase of Aldenham Golf & Country Club.

Purchase of charity in administration

We acted for Real Group Limited, a professional training and education provider, in its purchase of assets of a distressed national charity, Dyslexia Action.

Purchase of organic farming company

We have acted for a longstanding individual client in connection with a recent business venture - the purchase of the entire share capital in a private family company involved in organic farming

Acting for longstanding client motor trade dealer group

Thomson Snell & Passmore has acted for the Motorline Group, a long-standing client of the firm in respect of its recent acquisitions of various dealerships across the South East, South West and the Midlands. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise Lavendar & Lillie Limited

The corporate team recently advised Lavender & Lillie Limited, a Kent based company which was established to supply luxury goods,

Probate sale of complex farming estate and farming business

TSP’s multi-disciplinary team were able to provide a seamless, expert and sensitive service to a farming family with a farming company and a mixture of residential and agricultural property.

Sale of treasured family farm

Penelope Edgar acted on the sale of three lots of former agricultural land. The sale was both complex and sensitive as the family had grown up on the land and were sad to lose it.

Sale of pub as a going concern

Our client owned a pub in the heart of the Worcester countryside, which he wished to sell as a going concern.

Acquisition of recycling plant as a going concern

Our client is a multi-functional construction organisation, working within the reinstatement and building sectors. We were instructed to advise on the acquisition of the assets of a recycling plant.

Thomson Snell & Passmore completes sale of a mobile telephone retail franchise

Thomson Snell & Passmore has recently advised a seller on the sale of his mobile phone retail business.

Sale of Hitec Laboratories to American company Mitratech Inc

Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for the shareholders of a longstanding client of the firm, Hitec (Laboratories) Limited, a company which specialises in risk solution applications and information management, in the sale of the entire share capital of their company to Mitratech Inc.  

Acting for a longstanding client in their most recent acquisitions

During 2016, Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for a longstanding client of the firm, Nurture Landscapes Holdings Limited, in respect of three acquisitions.  

Advice on the sale of Pure Asphalt Company Limited to IKO Plc

Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for the shareholders of Pure Asphalt Company Limited in relation to the sale of their shares in the company to IKO. Nick Gabay, a Partner in the Corporate & Commercial Team, led on the transaction.

Advice on Fox Print Services Acquisition of Mastercolour Plc

Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for Fox Print Services (Tunbridge Wells) Limited in relation to its acquisition of the entire issued share capital in Mastercolour Plc. The Corporate & Commercial Team, led on the transaction.

Acquisition of Attitude Magazine

Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for Stream Publishing Limited in relation to its acquisition of Attitude Media Limited. the Corporate & Commercial Team, led on the transaction.

A very good firm

Our corporate team recently completed the purchase of one of the South East’s most popular, family friendly golf venues, Wexham Park Golf and Leisure Centre Limited (Wexham Park) for an undisclosed sum.

Motorline further expands its range and geographical base

In March 2015 Motorline acquired a Maserati dealership in Cardiff. The business was acquired from the Arrow Automotive Group and will be the second Maserati dealership in the Motorline Group.

Sale of Liz Dove Limited to Cook Trading Limited

We acted for the shareholders of Liz Dove Limited in relation to the sale of that company to Cook Trading Limited.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Centron Diagnostics Limited on its technology sale to international US company

Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised Centron Diagnostics Ltd, a spin-out company from King's College London, in relation to the sale of its central blood pressure monitoring technology and assets to SunTech Medical Inc, a global leader in clinical-grade, non-invasive blood pressure measurement solutions.

Purchase of a Rwandan tea estate

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises global tea giant on strategic international acquisition.

Procter Consultancy Limited

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Corporate, Commercial, and Employment teams who together advised the shareholders of Proctor Consultancy Limited on the acquisition of Procter by Imparta Limited. The case study is an example of how we can work closely with a client to achieve the intended result, however complex the transaction and however short the timetable is.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Landmark Underwriting on two acquisitions and successful debt raise

Speciality Managing General Agent (MGA) Landmark Underwriting, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, has completed two acquisitions.

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 – Important Factors to Consider in M&A Transactions

A new regime under the National Security & Investments Act 2021 has come into force. It creates a mandatory notification system where prior written approval from the ‘Investment Security Unit’ (ISU) is needed for any transaction falling within the scope of the regulations. The ramifications for not doing so are severe. As such, it is vital that any business involved in M&A activity urgently reviews the new regime, which acts retrospectively.

Looking ahead to 2022: The M&A boom is set to continue but early planning is crucial

M&A activity has remained incredibly buoyant in 2021. As we look ahead to the coming year, this trend is only set to continue.

Preparing your business for sale or investment: why early planning is key

The M&A market has remained incredibly buoyant over the past year, despite the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic. With rumours over potential changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) persisting, we expect the M&A activity boom to continue for the foreseeable future. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Nurture Landscapes on its acquisition of Rokill

Leading law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised long-term client Nurture Landscapes on its most recent acquisition of national pest control business, Rokill.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises the Motorline Group on multi-million pound sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc

Leading South East Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore, has advised long-term client the Motorline Group (Motorline) on its sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc (Marshall), in a multi-disciplinary and complex M&A transaction which involved the acquisition of the entire share capital of Motorline for a cash consideration of £64.5million.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Nurture Landscapes on its acquisition of Indoor Garden Design

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised long-term client Nurture Landscapes on its most recent acquisition of interior landscaping specialist Indoor Garden Design (IGD).

What are the key tax considerations when it comes to M&A?

Over the last six months, there has been a significant increase in M&A activity in the UK. This was at least in part initially driven by speculation that changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) would be included in announcements as part of the Budget in March 2021.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Electra Private Equity Plc on sale of Adjustoform Products Limited

Our corporate team has successfully advised Electra Private Equity Plc, on the sale of Adjustoform Products Limited.

What does the new Pensions Schemes Act mean for corporate transactions?

The new Pensions Scheme Act recently received Royal Assent, but what does it mean for businesses, and in particular for M&A activity?

The COVID-19 Pandemic: is this a good time to be pursuing M&A?

Jason Varney recently wrote an article for Acquisitions International looking at opportunities in the M&A market.

How are we paying for this? Funding sources for business acquisitions

In a recent article for Finance Monthly, Jason Varney and Katya Batchelor look at the pros and cons of various funding sources for acquisitions.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises North Kent College on its acquisition of Hadlow College

Leading South East Law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore, has advised North Kent College (NKC) on its acquisition of the education related assets of Hadlow College. In a complex education administration transaction involving a number of different parties, Hadlow College, including Princess Christian Farm and the equestrian centre in Greenwich, and the Tonbridge campus of West Kent and Ashford College (WKAC) have been transferred to NKC, including all students and the education-related facilities of the two colleges.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Stephens IT Holdings on the acquisition of Firefly Resources

Post-lockdown: prepare your business for sale or investment

Key commercial considerations for charities as they come out of lockdown

  I write this, as the implication of the announcement of the further lifting of lock-down restrictions starts to dawn on me and my friends and colleagues. There is much excitement about the prospect of a few nights away either to stay with family or just get away from home. But so far through the Government’s announcements, there has been only marginal good news for charities, as so much of their service provision and fund raising is reliant on people being with people.  

Key considerations and best practice for accelerated M&A

The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to businesses facing significant and unprecedented challenges.

Pre-packs in administration overview

Nurture Landscapes makes 24th and 25th acquisitions

Thomson Snell & Passmore supports long-term client with continued growth plans

Taking The Right Approach To Due Diligence When Acquiring A Business: Key Steps To Success

Joanne Gallagher explores the importance of due diligence for Acquisition International Magazine

1st Step Solutions Ltd Acquires On-Site London, to Further Grow the 1st Step Group

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore confirms completion of the acquisition of On-Site London by specialist recruitment services business 1st Step Solutions Ltd. 

Thomson Snell & Passmore confirm completion of the sale of KH Engineering Services

Thomson Snell & Passmore is delighted to confirm completion of the sale of KH Engineering Services (KHES), one of the UK's leading providers of mechanical and electrical engineering for the rail and transport sector.

Case Analysis: Breach of warranties under share purchase agreement and assessment of damages

Alan MacAlister and his wife (Sellers) were co-owners of a UK limited company, Motorplus Limited (Target) which carried on an insurance business. The Sellers weren't involved with the business day-to-day which was operated by a management team.

Case Analysis – Persimmon Homes Ltd v Hillier (Court of Appeal Decision)

Court of Appeal upholds High Court decision to rectify sale documents governing a sale of development land and order property developers to pay damages to major housebuilding company.

How to buy a business

Welcome to Thomson Snell & Passmore’s legal guide to acquiring a business. The decision to buy a business is a major one for a company or individual and for many people, it will often be unfamiliar territory.

Thomson Snell & Passmore has advised ballroom dance partnership

Chrisanne Clover has joined forces with Karen Hardy Dance Studios – headed by its former Strictly Come Dancing Star namesake.  

How to sell a business, part 3 of 10: Understanding the process of selling your business

This week, we will consider the sale process as a whole. The Thomson Snell & Passmore online guide to selling your business provides an excellent overview of the main 8 stages of a sale. This article will drill into a bit more detail setting out ten tips for a successful sale based on our experience in this area.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advise on another successful Nurture Landscapes deal

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore is pleased to announce the completion of another successful acquisition by its client Nurture Landscapes Limited. Grace Landscapes Ltd has recently been welcomed into the Nurture family and officially became part of the Nurture Group on 1 October 2018. 

How to sell a business, part 2 of 10: Structuring the 'exit' to achieve your goals

We will focus on a prospective seller who has put together their team of professional advisors and is starting to formulate their sales strategy.

How to sell a business, part 1 of 10: Preparing your business for an 'exit'

The term 'exit' is used a lot by business consultants, corporate finance managers, brokers, accountants and lawyers too. The term can have various meanings depending on the context but generally refers to a business owner's plan to sell their business.

TSP Connect Seminar: Acquisition, Funding for Growth and Exit Strategies - Bridgewood Manor, Chatham, Kent

Thomson Snell & Passmore hosted a seminar for over 35 attendees discussing acquisitions, growth and exit strategies for businesses and business owners. 

Motorline joins Audi franchise with Inchcape dealership acquisition

Motorline Group has added Audi to its list of car manufacturer partners with the acquisition of the East Kent Audi franchise from Inchcape.

Supporting Nurture Landscapes as they bloom

As the award-winning Nurture Landscapes celebrates its 10th anniversary, we speak to managing director Peter Fane about the company’s exponential growth – including its most recent acquisition, which has nearly doubled its turnover.

Motorline takes over Hyundai digital stores

Leading South East law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore, have assisted the Motorline Group in taking over the full operation of the Hyundai digital stores in Bluewater and Westfield Stratford from Rockar. Motorline have also taken over the Hyundai Aftersales Centre in Dartford.

Motorline invests further in Lexus

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore have assisted the Motorline Group as it closes off the year with another acquisition - the purchase of Lexus Bristol.

Motorline acquires Hereford Hyundai

Thomson Snell & Passmore have assisted the Motorline Group with its acquisition of Hereford Hyundai from Stirling of Hereford.

Motorline acquires again to strengthen Nissan market in the South of England

The Motorline group has recently completed another acquisition to add to its series of business purchases over the last few years.

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Nurture on its fifth acquisition in the last 12 months expanding turnover to £35m

A national horticulture, landscape and grounds maintenance business headquartered in Surrey has completed its fifth acquisition in the last 12 months, with the latest deal taking its turnover to £35m and workforce to more than 500 employees.

Landscape maintenance firm expands with acquisition

A national horticulture, landscape and grounds maintenance business with headquarters in Surrey has expanded with the takeover of a North West counterpart.

Mitratech swoops for Hitec Laboratories

Partner, Nick Gabay from our Corporate and Commerical team speaks to Insider Media Limited about the purchase of Hitec by Texas-based Mitratech.

When a merger between two companies fails

The following articles discusses why private and public acquisitions fall over, and how this can be prevented.  

Thomson Snell & Passmore completes asset purchase of trades parts specialist centre for Reading

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s corporate team has advised the Motorline Group in connection with its purchase of the Reading Trade Parts Specialist (TPS) Centre.