Tim Sadka, Partner and Head of the Corporate Group, led a team acting for the founders of Bishopric Investments Limited and its business, the Horsham based W. J. King & Co (Brewers), on its sale to The Sussex Beer Company Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
Founders, Kathy and Bill King launched W. J. King & Co (Brewers) following the sale of Horsham's former leading regional brewery King and Barnes to Hall and Woodhouse in 2000. With his past experience as the former Managing Director of King and Barnes, and with a Masters Degree in Brewing, Bill was, with Kathy's support, quickly able to re-establish the King name in Horsham as an independent micro brewery, producing Horsham Best Bitter, a cask beer. Subsequently, Red River, a premium cask beer was also introduced with a range of bottled/speciality beers following on.
Tim Sadka said: "We have enjoyed a long relationship with Kathy and Bill and have supported them, from launch to exit, to achieve this successful outcome. The transaction took place in the aftermath of the credit crunch, around the time of the recent General Election and with the uncertainties of an Emergency Budget looming. We were able to work with Kathy and Bill to resolve issues and we are pleased that with our help they were able to achieve their ambitions."
Bill King commenting on the transaction said:- "We much appreciate the efforts of Tim Sadka and the Rawlison Butler team. Our path to finding a transaction was not altogether straightforward - Tim's drive and professionalism shone through, taking us in the right direction. The service levels Kathy and I enjoyed were exceptional and it was a pleasure to work with a team of people clearly committed to delivering high levels of service to their clients."
The Sussex Beer Company Ltd, is a new venture set up by Sussex businessman Nigel Lambe and Ian Burgess, who has been Number 2 Brewer at Harvey’s of Lewes for the past 19 years, and now has the opportunity to build on initial successes as the business takes the next steps in its development. Kathy and I wish our former colleagues, and the new team that now joins them, all the best for the future."
The Rawlison Butler team also included Nitzan Cohen (Corporate Tax), Sofi Instone-Brewer (Corporate), Digby Armstrong and Amaris Wiles (Real Estate).
The Sussex Beer Company Ltd were represented by Rupert Rawcliffe and Stuart Stepney of Grant Thornton and by Jonathan Grant of DMH Stallard.
