Leading South East law firm, DMH Stallard LLP, has advised the management team on the secondary management buy out of Viande Group which incorporates R.P Meats Wholesale Limited and Blakes Meats Limited.

The transaction results in the Group becoming a business owned by the Thatcher family once again. Funded by Natwest Bank plc, it involved the buy out of a 50% shareholder / director.

This transaction was concluded during lockdown, a situation having a direct impact on the business and its operations.  Greg Thatcher will now take the business into the next phase and will continue to adapt and navigate the current trading conditions and opportunities.

Greg Thatcher said  "I'm really excited that the business is being run by the family again and we can now focus on our investment strategy for the future. We've got an amazing team of people here who now have the opportunity to help grow this business as we move forward".

The DMH Stallard Team advising the management team was led by Corporate Partner Helen Mead supported by Holly Sargeant and Jonny Compton. 

Greg Thatcher said "It started out as a simple agreement for Helen to work on but unfortunately and unexpectedly it became a bit more complicated than originally anticipated. Helen was a very calm and assuring voice throughout and brought others  in when needed to get it over the line. We look forward to working with Helen and the team again in the future as we expand our business".

Helen commented: "This is the first time we have acted for the business and Greg Thatcher and the logistics of completing a transaction during lockdown was an interesting challenge".

The DMH Stallard Corporate Team won Law Firm of the Year at the South East Insider Deal Awards in February and a deal lead by Helen Mead's won Deal of the Year (Over £10m) at the same awards ceremony.

Rupert Rawcliffe of SRC Corporate Finance also worked on the deal.

Originally published May 27, 2020.

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