News release

TAYLOR&EMMET COMPLETES LEWIS WADSWORTH MBQ

A team of solicitors from Sheffield-based Taylor&Emmet has advised on a management buyout of the lettings division of local estate agency, Lewis Wadsworth.

Solicitors from Taylor&Emmet’s corporate, commercial property and employment teams acted for Hepplewhite Property Services Limited, which has now taken control of Lewis Wadsworth’s lettings business.

Lewis Wadsworth is one of the largest and oldest property management agents in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. The management buyout of its lettings division was funded by Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest.

Christian Hepplewhite, managing director of Hepplewhite Property Services Limited said: “It was necessary to complete the Lewis Wadsworth deal in a limited timeframe. Taylor&Emmet’s pragmatic and efficient advice was without doubt key to bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion.

“When the opportunity to acquire the business arose, it was too good to turn down. The lettings market in Sheffield is buoyant and Lewis Wadsworth now has a group of handpicked, experienced administration staff who will further enable us to enhance our reputation for friendly, helpful service and advice. We are very excited about the future.”

Peter Crawford, a member of Taylor&Emmet’s corporate team, led the firm’s involvement in the management buyout. He added: “It was a pleasure to assist Christian Hepplewhite and Kerrie Rodgers in concluding this deal. They have been an integral part of Lewis Wadsworth’s management structure for the last four years and they can now continue to build on the organisation’s success going forward.”

The Lewis Wadsworth deal is one of a number of significant transactions handled by Taylor&Emmet’s corporate team during the past few months. Other highlights include the disposals of AH Burslam Limited and Dronfield-based Vantage Products Limited.

Rob Moore, head of business legal services at Taylor&Emmet, commented: “The number of transactions our corporate team continues to handle reflects clients’ faith in us to get the deal done, despite the current economic climate.”

To speak to a member of Taylor&Emmet’s corporate team about a possible management buyout, or any other corporate matter, telephone (0114) 218 4000 or visit www.tayloremmet.co.uk

PICTURE CAPTION: Lewis Wadsworth's Christian Hepplewhite (centre) and Kerrie Rodgers (second right) thank Taylor&Emmet's team for assisting in their management buyout. From left: Clare Slater, Peter Crawford and Caroline Hawcroft.

Issued: 29.10.2008

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