Gateley shows community spirit to advise on food deal
THE corporate team in the Birmingham office of law firm, Gateley has advised Community Foods on its acquisition of the Tarantella brand from Kent’s S&B Herba Foods.
London-based Community Foods is the UK’s largest specialist natural and organic foods importer and distributor. Tarantella is best known for its canned tomatoes, tomato paste, passata and pulses.
The deal – for an undisclosed sum – strengthens Gateley’s growing portfolio of clients operating in the food sector. The firm has recently advised on a range of legal aspects for brands such as Tyrrells Potato Chips, Muller and Bakkavor as well as Spanish tapas restaurant chain La Tasca.
The Tarantella acquisition was led by Chris Reed, corporate partner in Gateley’s Birmingham office. Reed said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Community Foods and are delighted to not only have advised on this deal but also to align ourselves with a brand that’s synonymous with ethical food sourcing.”
Clive Warner, financial director at Community Foods, said: “We needed a responsive and commercially-minded legal adviser on this key acquisition and the Gateley team certainly delivered on the Tarantella deal.
“Tarantella will benefit from the level of expertise and passion for organic that has helped us grow our existing stable of premium brands such as Crazy Jack, a name that’s fast become an organic leader in the UK Homebake sector.
“We will now be looking to replicate this success by growing the Tarantella brand and extending the range where possible.”
