Shoosmiths acts on major first for investment company BGF
May, 2018 - National, England
National law firm Shoosmiths has advised on the first merger of two BGF-backed businesses, in a deal which also saw the company invest £5.5 million.
The merger of Nationwide Window Cleaning (NWC) and High Access Maintenance – with a combined revenue of £30 million – has created one of the largest independent facilities management services companies in the UK.
Shoosmiths represented BGF and the team was led by corporate partner James Foster, with support from solicitors Natalie Hager and Sophie Davies. It also involved colleagues from across the firm, including banking partner Linda Williams and associate Anna Richardson, tax partner Kate Featherstone and employment senior associate Michael Hardiman.
James said: “This represented a major first for BGF, and we are pleased Shoosmiths has been able to advise on so many aspects of the merger, which will create one of the biggest firms of its kind in the UK.”
BGF has invested £1.45bn into 225 businesses in the UK and Ireland and is the only investor to be honoured for innovation in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The merger of Leeds-based NWC and High Access Maintenance, based in Manchester, was initiated by the founders of both companies and BGF. The new company, which will be called NSS Group, will share customers across major retailers, hospitals, universities and blue chip property development firms.
Bringing the two companies together will provide enhanced coverage, and a broader service offering, from high-level property maintenance to access machinery hire.
