Professionals: Law firm celebrates branch network success; Mazars advises on major waste deal; and more

THE Chapel Allerton branch of Ison Harrison is celebrating two years in operation and has just taken on its newest addition to the team following the transfer of Amber Walker, a conveyancing assistant, who has moved across from the law firm’s head office in Leeds.

Ison Harrison says the Harrogate Road branch has been one of the firm’s busiest branches outside of the city centre, specialising in residential conveyancing, family law and wills and probate. There are currently ten branches across the city.

Branch manager Rebecca Austin said: “Chapel Allerton has firmly established itself as one of the places to be in Leeds and is popular with residents and businesses alike. There is a booming business and social scene and its success mirrors that of Leeds city centre, featuring successful chain restaurants, cafes and bars as well as independent businesses and a thriving entrepreneurial feel. The team here has an unrivalled local knowledge as well as expert legal experience and as such is perfectly placed to provide a comprehensive service.

“Chapel Allerton has definitely shaped its own identity but retains a local feel and Ison Harrison’s office in the heart of the community has become increasingly more important in the busy network of prospering businesses. This has helped us to grow and expand as a business too as the demand for a wider range of legal expertise is called for.”
 
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THE Leeds office of accountancy firm Mazars has advised on the sale of North East- based JBT Waste Services (JBT) to German waste management group Remondis, part of the multinational, 12bn Euro turnover Rethmann Group.

JBT, with its main office located to the north of Newcastle upon Tyne, was founded in 1972 by John and Glynis Binks, who have grown the business to make it one of the leading waste collection and treatment companies in the North East of England.

From its two sites operated in Bedlington and Birtley, north and south of the River Tyne, the company offers a range of waste management services. In recent years the company experienced rapid growth and now processes over 220,000 tonnes of waste a year, employing 150 staff.

Remondis UK currently offers hazardous waste services through its collection and treatment operations in Prescot located between Manchester and Liverpool.

With the JBT acquisition, Remondis will be able to complete its portfolio with a view to becoming one of the major full-service suppliers on the UK waste management market.

Corporate finance partner, Rob Burton, who led the team from Mazars, said: “This has been a great deal to work on and we are delighted to achieve a successful outcome for the shareholders of JBT. The deal enables Remondis to enter this sector in the UK market and there is a strong cultural fit between the two companies. The deal highlights continued cross border investment with strong performing regional businesses still able to attract interest from overseas buyers.”

JBT Waste Services was advised by Mr Burton and corporate finance manager Chris Dale based in Mazars Leeds office, with legal advice provided by Martin Hulls and Clare French of Ward Hadaway in Newcastle. Remondis was advised by PwC in respect of its tax diligence and Pinsent Masons provided legal advice on the transaction.

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HULL-based commercial solicitors SJP Law has further cemented its international relationships with firms around the globe after attending a major conference in Prague.

Simon Gittings, Claire Charman and Mark Daubney attended the Eurojuris International Congress, which attracted 125 lawyers from all over the globe including Europe, Scandinavia, Dubai, United States of America, China and Hong Kong.  

“International trade is very important for the UK and we are well positioned to help companies with cross border legal issues.  We have relationships with partner law firms across Europe and further afield to make sure the details are country specific and we are able to explain these to our clients in plain English without them having to worry about different languages,” said Mr Gittings.