NW financial advisers work on international deal

DTE Corporate Finance acted as lead advisor to the shareholders of Kent-based Vatre Group on their sale to American buyer Griffon Corporation, for an undisclosed sum.

Vatre, trading as Apta, is a national UK supplier of innovative garden pottery and associated products.

The Griffon Corporation is a global business looking to expand its consumer offering in the UK.

Apta has developed its market presence and brand over a number of years, under the stewardship of Paul Sykes. Its national presence and market dominance in its chosen sectors made it an extremely attractive target for the Griffon Corporation which has been courting Apta for many years.

Following the sale, Apta’s main shareholder and managing director, Paul Sykes, will remain in his role for the foreseeable future to help continue the growth of Apta under its new ownership.

Mr Sykes said: “Delivering the Apta deal and achieving value for the shareholders was due, in no small part, to the excellent work and tremendous commitment of the DTE Corporate Finance and Hill Dickinson teams.”

Andy Humphrey, DTE corporate finance director, who, with the support of Luke Seymour and Lewis Pearson, advised the shareholders of Apta, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Paul and the team at Apta, helping to secure the future of the company which is now ready to embark on the next part of its journey.

“Apta is a fabulous company and we look forward to seeing it develop over the years to come.”

Alongside Manchester-based DTE Corporate Finance, legal advice was provided by Jonathan Gillow and Katie Somerville of Hill Dickinson.

Jon said: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Paul and the other shareholders. With the acquiring business being located in, and operating out of, the USA and Australia, it is really encouraging to see continued investment into another successful UK business, notwithstanding the present uncertainties they face.”