Advising on sale of national paper merchant

We have advised the shareholders of RADMS Paper Limited, owners of Premier Paper, on the company’s sale to Japan Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. (JPP).

JPP’s share acquisition of the UK’s leading paper merchant will future-proof its growth strategy as the company increases its global market share and cements its position as the world’s leading paper distributor. The acquisition sees JPP complete its acquisition of RADMS in two tranches.

Approximately 8.5 million tonnes of paper and paperboard are ordered every year in the UK. To meet that demand, RADMS’s has established, through Premier Paper, 18 facilities throughout the UK and increased sales and profits by growing markets such as packaging, converted paper products and POS displays and graphics, which includes digital applications.

Dave Allen, managing director of Premier Paper, said: “The team at Gateley Legal provided clear and straightforward legal advice that made this deal happen. It’s provided us with an opportunity to expand and develop our wholesale business activity within the UK and secured a very bright future for everyone concerned. We are delighted to become part of the JPP group of companies.”

Chris Reed, Corporate partner in the Birmingham office of Gateley Legal, commented: “We have a long-standing relationship with RADMS Paper Ltd having advised the founders, Courtney Candler and Graham Griffiths originally, and latterly the management team, including non-executive director, Malcolm Cook, over the last ten years. We get our kicks out of seeing businesses succeed and advising on large, international deals. This transaction deal is testament to the vision of the founders and to the hard work of everyone at the company. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the UK business under JPP’s ownership.”