Sills & Betteridge LLP Advise Battles Group on Acquisition of Trilanco

Sills & Betteridge LLP have advised the Battles Group on its recent multi-million pound acquisition of Trilanco Ltd, bringing together two established UK wholesalers serving the equine, pet, agricultural and animal health sectors.

The transaction sees Trilanco become part of Lincoln based Battle, Hayward & Bower Ltd, via its parent company, DC Holdings Ltd. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the group’s position across multiple categories and enhance its distribution capability in competitive markets.

Battles and Trilanco each supply more than 2,000 retailers nationwide. Battle Hayward & Bower Ltd, part of the Battles group, has nearly 200 years' experience in manufacturing and wholesaling in the animal sector, while Trilanco, which has been operating in the animal sector for some 47 years, operates from a purpose-built 110,000-square-foot distribution centre also supporting a broad portfolio of agricultural, equine, pet and smallholding products in Lancashire.

Corporate Partner Martin Walsh led the Sills & Betteridge legal team advising Battles on the transaction.

“Together with my Corporate Assistant Ryan Palmer and Commercial Property Partners, Raj Blackburn and Sam Price, we are delighted to have supported Battles over many months on this strategic acquisition for them, helping to bring together two well-established wholesalers with strong reputations and complementary distribution networks to create a significant opportunity for growth across several specialist sectors. 

It was a pleasure to work with Richard and the Battles ownership and management team on this important milestone of growth for its business.

We have a long-standing relationship with Battles and a deep understanding of their business, built up over many years which greatly helped during the acquisition."

The enlarged merged group will be led by Battles owner and Managing Director, Richard Dewey. Richard commented:

“I have worked with Martin on a number of successful transactions. Martin has 30 years extensive M&A corporate experience across numerous industry sectors. His experience, coupled with sound, pragramatic, commercial advice proved on a number of occasions, to be invaluable. Additionally he provided excellent client service - he was always available whether late at night, weekends and holidays to deal quickly with matters.

Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Martin and Sills Corporate and Commercial Property teams to anyone buying or selling a company or business."

Following completion, wholesale operations are expected to be consolidated at the Lancashire distribution centre, with manufacturing and brand management activities remaining in Lincoln.

For advice on any legal matters relating to your business, please contact Martin on 01522 542211 or by email at MWalsh@sillslegal.co.uk 

Pictured - Martin Walsh