Legal briefs: DLA Piper’s sweet deal; Addleshaws’ award
A CORPORATE team from law firm DLA Piper in Manchester has advised confectionery manufacturer, Zetar on a £43m takeover by German manufacturer, Zertus.
AIM-listed Zetar, which has sites in Yorkshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire, makes chocolates and snacks including under licence for major consumer brands such as Baileys, Marmite and Branston.
Hamburg based Zertus Group, is a family owned Group with businesses in niche sectors of the German food market.
The deal is due to be approved by the shareholders in November 2012 and it is expected that the takeover offer will be approved by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under the Companies Act.
Partners Elia Montorio and Stephen Devlin led the deal alongside Louise Barber, Ciaran Stone and Jennifer Lee. The team was supported by specialists from Dthe firm’s litigation and incentives groups. These included Andrew Harris, Stuart Campbell and Lynda Finan.
David Williams, Chairman of Zetar stated: “Elia, Ian (Blackburn) CEO and I were involved from the start of Zetar’s life, when it was listed on AIM in January 2005 at £1m. It is nice that the same team has seen it through to the next stage of its life as part of a large Continental European group.”
::
ADDLESHAW Goddard’s construction team in Manchester has been named Construction Law Firm of the Year at this year’s Builder and Engineer Awards.
The team, led by Jonathan Tattersall and John Emerton in the UK, and Andrew Greaves in Dubai saw offf stiff competition from Trowers & Hamlins and Weightmans to win a prestigious industry award at the event, held at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Partner John Emerson said: “The award is testimony to the team’s outstanding commitment and capability. It’s a fantastic achievement and a significant boost for the team.”
