We are delighted to announce that our corporate finance and tax advisory teams have advised the owners of Sussex-based Arden Grange Pet Foods on the sale of their company to AlphaPet Ventures, a leading European digital brand platform and distributor of premium pet foods. The transaction, led and managed by Kirsty Wilson and Catherine Lambeth of Knill James, succeeded in maximising returns for the shareholders and securing the future of the business.
Renowned Sussex dog breeders Graham and Wendy Stephens founded Arden Grange in 1996 to provide high quality nutrition without compromise for dogs and cats. The family-run business flourished and their products are now available in 30 countries worldwide.
As well as corporate finance advice, Knill James provided expertise on the tax and VAT aspects of the deal. Emma Stephens, director of Arden Grange, commented: 'This is the first time we have been involved in any company transaction, and we were so lucky to have the skill and responsiveness of the locally-based advisory team at Knill James. In particular, Kirsty and Catherine were always on hand to help us through the negotiations, tackling any technical points to ensure the transaction progressed smoothly.'
Kirsty Wilson, Corporate Finance Director at Knill James, commented: 'This acquisition is a great deal for both parties: it will help take the Arden Grange brand to the next level, increasing its product distribution across Europe, whilst enabling AlphaPet to make further headway into the UK pet food market.'
All Arden Grange's advisers for this international transaction were local and the brand will remain headquartered in West Sussex. Catherine Lambeth, Corporate Finance Manager at Knill James, commented: 'It was a pleasure to work with the Stephens family. This year marks the company's 25th anniversary, so it's a fitting time to start a new chapter in its development. We wish the vendors and the Arden Grange team every success for the future.'
Rebecca Glazebrook, Sian Webber and Victoria Jackson from PDT Solicitors in Horsham acted as legal advisers to the vendors.