Clarke Willmott acts on double acquisition deal

National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has acted on a deal which has seen logistics specialists WH Bowker acquire two new businesses.

The Lancashire-based company has extended its fleet to more than 225 vehicles and 450 trailers after acquiring James Nuttall (Transport) and its commercial MOT testing centre Queensway Commercials.

Acting on behalf of the sellers was a team from Clarke Willmott including corporate partner Ed Foulkes, corporate tax partner Chris Connors, corporate lawyer Nelema Akhtar, commercial property lawyer Petra Hantakova and employment partner Emma Hamnett. A team from Cowgills acted as corporate finance advisors to the sellers.

Robert Dobson and his team from Napthens acted for WH Bowker.

Ed Foulkes from Clarke Willmott said: “We’ve acted for the Nuttall family for some time. It was important for them to find a buyer for the business who shared the same ethos and to whom they could entrust their loyal and skilled workforce. In WH Bowker they have found such a buyer.

“Like any deal, this transaction had its complexities. We’re delighted that, along with the other advisors, we achieved a challenging timetable and delivered a deal with which all parties were pleased.”

The deal included the addition of 48 commercial vehicles and expands its infrastructure in the form of Queensway’s DVSA Authorised Testing Facility.

WH Bowker is a private operator, specialising in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food grade logistics with sites across ten locations in the UK.

WH Bowker’s director Bill Bowker said: “James Nuttall (Transport) Limited is a successful family-owned business and shares the same cultural ethos as our own.

“We are extremely confident this exciting venture will strengthen our UK and European warehouse and distribution business providing further opportunities for continued growth.”

Jane Nuttall said: “When we initially engaged with Bowkers, it became very clear they shared the same values, culture and philosophy as ourselves.”

James Nuttall added: “Bowkers have an excellent reputation within the industry, renowned for looking after their staff, operating a modern fleet and providing continuous high levels of customer care.

“We look forward to the new opportunities that the acquisition will present to our loyal employees.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton. For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com