Midlands firms lead on national deal
Three professional firms in the Midlands have worked on a deal for the acquisition of Forum Products Holdings by Barentz Europe.
Cobbetts, Cooper Parry Corporate Finance and Translink Corporate Finance have advised on the sale to create a "pan-European leader in the distribution of specialty ingredients".
The transaction has helped Netherlands-based Barentz to expand its presence in the UK market.
It will use the life science ingredient distributor position of Redhill-based Forum Products, which recorded turnover of £85m in 2011, in the pharmaceutical, food and animal nutrition markets.
The shareholders of Forum were advised on the sale by Adrian Cutler and Emma Ray in Cobbetts' Birmingham office; and David Browne, John Bryant and Ben Rookes in the Nottingham branch of Cooper Parry Corporate Finance.
Barentz was advised by Translink Corporate Finance's Stuart Hands in Leicester.
The Cobbetts team advised on Forum's original management buyout in 2008 and its subsequent acquisitions.
Partner at Cooper Parry David Browne said: "Whilst the business was based in Redhill, the deal was advised almost exclusively from the Midlands and demonstrates therefore the strength of the regions professional community and quality of advice provided.
"This deal continues to demonstrate that corporate finance market is strengthening and certain sectors are attracting a lot of potential suitors, especially to overseas buyers."
Barentz Europe has a presence in 26 countries in Europe and employs more than 400 staff. It had an estimated turnover of about €650m (£543m) in 2011.
