Shakespeare Martineau advises on £32.8m sale of Alunet Group to Eurocell

Shakespeare Martineau has successfully advised the shareholders of the Alunet group of companies, UK Doors Online and SGG Manufacturing on a series of transactions, which included the £32.8 millionsal e of the group to Eurocell Plc.

With Alunet Group’s expertise in premium aluminium windows, doors and garage doors, the acquisition strengthens Eurocell’s position in the home improvement market, expanding its aluminium systems and composite door offerings – ensuring it can provide an even wider range of products to its trade partners and customers.

The acquisition also ensures Alunet Group’s brands will benefit from Eurocell’s national reach and resources.

As part of the deal, Shakespeare Martineau’s team navigated a complex pre-sale reorganisation to prepare each of the businesses for sale. This included a strategic restructuring to enable the shareholders ofUK Doors Online and SGG Manufacturing to take separate routes forward and maintain an independent existence.

Catherine Moss, corporate partner at Shakespeare Martineau, who led the deal, said: “This transaction represents a significant milestone for all parties involved. By joining Eurocell, Alunet Group is now part of a well-established, publicly-listed brand with national reach and a wider product range, which will ultimately enhance the services available to customers.

“The efficiencies and streamlined processes that come with being part of a larger organisation will enable the acquired companies to operate more effectively and scale more rapidly.

“At the same time, the transaction was carefully structured to allow certain parts of the business to continue independently. The separation of UK Doors Online and SGG Manufacturing means these companies can now pursue their own strategic growth plans, ensuring maximum value for shareholders and continued success in their respective markets.

“Our role in this deal was multifaceted. We advised the selling shareholders throughout, managing complex legal, financial and structural matters. This involved a thorough review and remediation exercise to prepare the businesses for sale, as well as a detailed group reorganisation.

“Given the technical nature of the companies and the fact that the sellers retained similar businesses connected to the acquired companies, it was crucial to protect their ability to continue operating successfully.

“This deal was a true team effort, with our experts providing critical legal and strategic guidance. We are proud to have supported our clients in achieving a smooth and successful sale, ensuring the best possible outcome for all parties involved.”

Following the completion of the sale, Alunet Group’s 200-strong team has joined Eurocell, with CEO Steve Hudson taking a leadership role in the newly-expanded business.

Steve said: “Alunet Group has always been an agile customer-driven business, which is one of the reasons why our brands have grown so quickly. Eurocell’s vision, strategy and values completely align with what the leadership team at Alunet Group is aiming to achieve.

“Becoming a part of Eurocell’s market-leading manufacturing and distribution capabilities will provide incredible opportunities for both Alunet Group and Eurocell customers. It’s a really exciting moment.”

Shakespeare Martineau advised on all legal aspects of the transaction, including preparing the businesses for sale, carrying out due diligence, structuring the group reorganisation and safeguarding the sellers’ ability to continue trading with retained companies.

The firm’s corporate team included Catherine Moss, Jennie Davis, Marie-Therese Harper, Raksha Aggarwal, Charley McEvoy, Deeya Ray, Mia Georgiou, Renee Freeman, Gabriella Norton, Chloe Hodges and Finn Murray.

The wider team included Huw Witty, Julia Rosenbloom and Camilla Uppal (tax); Simon Robinson (commercial property); Rhys Wyborn and Lucinda Chaplin (employment); Selina Hinchliffe, Carys Thompson, Rosie Allen, Asmee Dutt-Choudhury and Shanice Spencer (commercial and IP); James Woolstenhulme, Lisa Serrant and Anton Letten (dispute resolution); and Han Nee Ang and Gloria Cheung (company secretary).

Coadax’s Mukesh Balsara and Marcus Chan assisted with valuations, Bishopsgate Corporate Finance advised Eurocell financially, and Browne Jacobson acted as legal counsel for the buyer.

Following the pre-sale reorganisation and disposals to Eurocell, Shakespeare Martineau’s clients disposed of their remaining interests to some of their fellow shareholders. Dave Patterson, of DJ Advisory, advised the fellow shareholders.