A very palletable deal
BHP Corporate Finance has acted as lead advisor to the shareholders of reconditioned pallet trader Whirlowdale Trading Company on its acquisition by industrial services and supplies business Scott Group.
Whirlowdale was founded by Roy Pearce in the 1970s. Under Roy’s stewardship, and latterly that of his son Andrew, it has developed into one of the leading players in the UK reconditioned pallet market, operating from eight sites nationwide including its headquarters in Rotherham.
The BHP Corporate Finance team was led by partner David Forrest and director Kevin Davies, who worked with the shareholders and management team over an extended period, particularly in recent years following Andrew’s decision to take a step back from the day-to-day management of the business. Our work included advice in relation to the reorganisation of the Whirlowdale group in preparation for an eventual sale, a review of the available strategic options and an assessment of the potential strategic partners and buyers for the business. This ultimately resulted in Scott Group being chosen as the ideal partner for Whirlowdale going forward.
Andrew Pearce commented: “It is the right deal for Whirlowdale, and all its employees. The combination of the two businesses means that the range of pallet products and services we can offer and deliver on a national basis is exceptional.
“Having been involved with Whirlowdale since the mid-1980s, it was always going to be a hugely emotional process for myself and the family. The whole BHP Corporate Finance team were superb, not only from a deal making, financial and tax point of view but they were on hand every step of the way providing the leadership, guidance, confidence and reassuring hand that were invaluable throughout the process. I have in fact worked with them on a variety of transactions in the past but I was still taken aback by how much they invest in making sure they get the right result for their client. I would not hesitate to recommend them in the strongest terms.”
David Forrest added “We are delighted to have advised Andrew on this transaction. It has been a pleasure helping the company over recent years to get to this stage, and the deal represents an excellent outcome for both the Pearce family and Scott Group alike. I am confident that the business is in exactly the right home and will continue to build on the legacy left by both Roy and Andrew.”