Employee ownership model adopted by civil and structural engineering business

Civil and structural engineering consultancy, Perega (formally Thomasons), which has a base in Leeds, has been transferred to employee ownership.

Leeds-based law firm Blacks Solicitors oversaw and helped coordinate the restructure.

The team at Blacks was chosen due to its long-standing relationship with the business and the Corporate & Commercial team’s expertise in advising on corporate restructures and employee ownership trusts.

The restructure has seen the consultancy become an Employee-owned Trust, as its shareholders wanted to allow future generations to participate more easily in the leadership of the business, and allow greater collaboration and employee engagement.

Alex Hall, a chartered legal executive in the Corporate & Commercial team at Blacks, was instrumental in advising Perega. She said: “It has been fantastic to work with Nick, Fraser, and the rest of the team and advise a long-standing client on reorganising its ownership structure for the next generation.

“We are honoured to have been a part of the business’ journey and look forward to seeing what this new chapter will mean for them.”

Nick Russell, director at Perega, added: “Blacks have worked with us now for 18 years and is our first port of call for corporate work. We really enjoy working with Alex and her team and always receive advice that is easily understandable, timely and value for money. They look after us well and are very much in tune with the needs of our business. We look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

Blacks Solicitors also worked closely with accountancy firm Menzies, and Baxendales Advisory to ensure the restructure was a success.