Advising a consortium on acquisition of Farmison & Co

We have advised a consortium led by former Asda chief executive, Andy Clarke, and Chilli Marketing co-founder, Gareth Whittle, in its acquisition of multiple award-winning online meat retailer, Farmison & Co.

Farmison & Co is a leading online butcher, selling directly to customers across the UK, and through premium food grocers such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and to Michelin star restaurants.

The deal comes after Farmison & Co entered administration. Despite significant national interest the consortium’s offer was said to “provide the best opportunity for both re-establishing the business and maximising returns to creditors.”

“We’re pleased to have achieved a successful result for our client in what was a competitive bidding process,” said Matthew Brown, restructuring advisory partner, Gateley Legal.

“There were a number of competing bids for the business, but we were confident our approach represented the best opportunity to keep a valuable brand and significant local employer alive. We had to act fast and managed to move to completion within just three days of the offer being accepted.”

Andy Clarke, the new executive chairman of Farmison & Co said on behalf of the consortium: “We were pleased to have the help of the team at Gateley Legal as we moved at speed to acquire Farmison & Co. While there’s much work to do, we’re looking forward to developing Farmison into the business we know it can be.”

We continue to work closely with Farmison & Co, supporting the business strategically throughout its turnaround, which includes the rehiring of employees and relaunching operations.

Matthew Brown led the deal, working alongside restructuring colleagues Niall Crossley and Megan Mitchell. There was also support on intellectual property from partner, Rob Lucas, and employment assistance from partner, Paul Ball.