Member Article

Three deal week for Yorkshire law firm

A Sheffield law firm is seeing confidence return to the SME marketplace having completed three major deals in one week with more in the pipeline for the final quarter of 2013.

Irwin Mitchell has advised Sheffield-based architects, HLM, on its acquisition of architecture, urban design and interiors practice, Sidell Gibson.

In addition to its office in Sheffield, HLM has bases in London, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff and Plymouth, as well as Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi.

The newly acquired practice will trade as Sidell Gibson and will be run independently of HLM, operating from new offices in central London. The team will continue to build on its expertise in high quality commercial buildings, housing and restoration projects.

This latest deal completion at Irwin Mitchell follows the announcement earlier this week that it advised Underwood Meat Company on its acquisition of Bramley Foods. And, at the end of last week, the firm revealed it has supported Chesterfield-based Prolog Print Media on its purchase of Rugby-based Datagraphic Limited.

Matt Ainsworth, corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell, advised on all three deals. He said: “To announce three deals in the space of a week is very satisfying and certainly indicates that confidence is returning, particularly in the SME market. Our deal pipeline looks strong and we expect to see a further increase in activity in the final quarter of 2013.

“We are delighted to have advised HLM on its second strategic transaction this year. This deal is important for HLM, but also represents good news for Sidell Gibson and its clients. The transaction is the start of a new era for Sidell Gibson and provides the business with the financial stability to move forward with certainty, whilst enabling it to continue building its strong architectural reputation.”

Chris Liddle, chairman of HLM, said: “We are excited about the opportunity of supporting the work and heritage of Sidell Gibson into the future. Having worked closely with Ron Sidell throughout the process, this deal allows Sidell Gibson to retain its strong identity and position in the industry, and we are now in discussion with a number of clients about taking projects forward.”

Earlier this year, Irwin Mitchell also advised HLM on a strategic investment in the internationally recognised Llewelyn Davies brand.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .