Press Release

National law firm Shoosmiths has advised NVM private equity backed Kirton group on the disposal of its specialist seating division by way of sale of the entire issued share capital of The Kirton Healthcare Group Limited to Direct Healthcare Group.

Kirton Healthcare was founded in 1980 and is a market leading designer and supplier of specialist chairs for adults and children with all levels of physical ability or disability. The Kirton group continues with its AJ Way brand, one of the UK's leading manufacturers and suppliers of electric and mobility riser recliner chairs.

Shoosmiths' corporate partner, Rachel Turner, led the deal with corporate solicitor, Adam Leszczynski assisting and Partner, Kate Featherstone, advised on tax.

David Rolfe, lead investment partner at NVM said: ‘The sale of the Kirton Brand to DHG is a great fit with its existing product line and allows the re-named AJ Way Group to focus on growing the already successful AJ Way brand. As the group’s legal advisers, Shoosmiths delivered exactly the right balance of technical and commercial advice to the sale process.’

Rachel Turner said: ‘Our existing relationship with NVM certainly contributed to a smooth transaction from the sell side and we look forward to working with AJ Way Limited in the future.’

Shoosmiths' corporate team has advised public and private companies, management teams, investors and debt providers through the business life cycle. Shoosmiths work with businesses from start up and first round finance through to mergers and acquisitions, MBO and MBI transactions, development funding and on exits, by way of sale, listing or private equity investment.

Nationally, the corporate team is ranked in first place by deal volume in Experian's 2016 MarketIQ UK & Ireland M&A league tables. The team was recognised for its mergers and acquisitions expertise at the 2015 M&A Awards, winning the Law Firm of the Year category.