Leisure firm adds to stable with deal for country club

Harrison Leisure UK has added to its portfolio with the acquisition of Rawcliffe Hall Country Club and Caravan Park in Lancashire.

The 42.7-acre park developed with 233 pitches, which has been in the same family ownership since 1993, came onto the market to allow the former partners to pursue alternative ventures and opportunities.

The sale also included six cottages, additional agricultural land and the 12th century Rawcliffe Hall, in which various leisure facilities and bars are located.

Rawcliffe becomes Harrison Leisure’s eighth holiday park in a portfolio that includes parks across the North West, Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Northumberland.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, was arranged by commercial real estate firm Colliers.

David Bagot, former owner of Rawcliffe Hall Country Club and Caravan Park, added: “As a family we are delighted to be handing over the business, which has meant so much to us, to another family who we believe have a similar ethos; it is good to know we are leaving it and the people within it in safe hands.  On behalf of four generations of the Bagot family who have owned Rawcliffe Hall since 1937, I would like to thank all of the many clients who have given us their support over the years, and also the staff for their loyalty and hard work.  This has been a complex transaction and we are very grateful for the support we have received from our advisors at Colliers, HD and Azets.”

Billy Harrison, managing director of Harrison Leisure UK, said: “We are excited to take over such a well-established business and look forward to operating the park to the highest of standards for decades to come. We have some exciting plans for the property but the ethos of operating a successful family business and high levels of customer satisfaction will always remain at the core. A big thank you to Robbie Mather and Michael Walby of Burnetts Solicitors LLP for their advice and support enabling us to successfully complete on this significant transaction”

Jack Stephenson, senior associate solicitor in the corporate team at Harrison Drury, who advised the vendors, said: “We’re proud to have supported this significant transaction in the North West leisure sector, helping the long-term owners of Rawcliffe Hall Country Club and Caravan Park to realise value from a business built over many years and successfully hand the baton to the new owners.”

The vendors were also advised by Kirsty Giddins, office managing partner of accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Bolton.

The purchaser was advised by Burnetts (legal).

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