Deal feeds BATA aspirations
BHP Corporate Finance has acted as lead advisor to BATA on its acquisition of William Thompson (York) Limited (“Thompson”). The enlarged group will have annual turnover in excess of £110m.
Founded in 1894, BATA is a leading supplier of fuel, LPG and agricultural feeds to the wider rural community. The business operates as a farmer’s cooperative with the aim of supporting the livelihood and lifestyle of thousands of people living and working in rural Yorkshire.
Thompson is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of animal feed, providing a wide range of dairy, pig, beef, sheep, game and fish feed compounds to farmers throughout Yorkshire and the North East.
A team led by Hamish Morrison and Andy Haigh provided lead advisory services to the management of BATA throughout the acquisition. This included the raising of a significant funding package from Barclays bank.
Hamish Morrison said “Having worked with the BATA board of directors for a long period of time it was very satisfying to help them successfully complete this significant acquisition. I am sure the enlarged group will go from strength to strength and build on the outstanding heritage of both businesses.”
Andrew Richardson, Chief Executive of BATA said: “The deal is good news for both companies, our current and future customers and, importantly, for the Yorkshire agriculture sector.”
“The strength and depth of the group will provide even more specialist help and service to our customers’ businesses helping them navigate through the global challenges that face the agricultural sector.”