Managed a highly intensive sale process to close the deal in six weeks

The brief

WA Turner, the independent manufacturer of high quality own label meat products for the major multiples, was sold to Irish Food Processors (IEP), Europe's largest beef producer.

The transaction saw IFP take another step to increase its share of the UK good manufacturing market, adding £60 million of turnover to their business. For the directors of WA Turner, the transaction signified the final hurdle of a four year turnaround plan since they bought the ailing business from Prize Food Group in 2003.

With over 500 employees, WA Turner is on the largest independent suppliers of high quality own label sausages, pies and quiche to the major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Somerfield.

Our role

Baker Tilly groomed the business for sale following the buy-out, advised the shareholders throughout the transaction and managed a highly intensive final sale process to close the deal in under six weeks. The transaction was led by Rob Donaldson and Kirsty Sandwell.

Prior to the sale, Baker Tilly's tax team advised the business on its restructuring into four separate companies.

Feedback

"Baker Tilly got us a terrific result. Their advice throughout the transaction on strategy and tactics was spot on. They secured a great deal for us at a time when booming raw material prices were making the food manufacturing industry a painful place to be.

They dealt deftly with a number of interested parties and kept the pressure on. Without their tenacity and excellent negotiating skills, I'm not sure we would have got a deal done."
Mark Roberts, Managing Director, WA Turner

How we can help you

If you are thinking selling your business, then talk to your local M&A contact or find out more about our services.