Duo of deals for leading law firm

By Higgs & Sons
schedule14th Mar 16

A leading Midlands law firm has successfully completed a brace of commercial property deals for national clients based in the region.

Cherry Elliott, a partner at Higgs & Sons, led on the projects which see the acquisition of sites in Cannock and Nuneaton for a national catering product distributor and for a leading Ford car and van supplier.

She said: "Demand for commercial property continues to rise nationally, and the Midlands region consistently proves it is a prime location for driving economic growth. This trend is clearly demonstrated in the investments being made by these businesses."

The deals enable the strategic relocation of First Choice Catering Spares to a 100,000sq ft distribution centre in Cannock and a purpose built motor dealership in Nuneaton for Allen Ford (UK).

Cherry added: "Both of these deals represent a major strategic transaction for the companies involved, enabling them to expand their businesses and create new employment opportunities.

"Throughout the negotiations, my key focus has remained on ensuring that the clients' aims and deadlines are achieved."

First Choice Catering Spares Ltd

The firm acted for national distribution company, First Choice Catering Spares Ltd, on a 100,000sq ft unit at Kingswood Lakeside Business Park in Cannock.

The new build unit is part of a strategic relocation for the company which is expected to create up to 130 new jobs. The land was owned by Staffordshire County Council and is being developed by Opus Land.

Steve Robbins, financial controller from First Choice Group, said: "We have worked with Higgs & Sons on a couple of occasions now and find them to be very professional. On this acquisition, Cherry was extremely supportive, explaining everything and pointing out any pitfalls, especially from the commercial viewpoint, getting the agreement over the line for us."

Established 16 years ago the First Choice Group specialises in meeting the spare parts needs of the commercial catering market, providing the most diverse range of commonly needed spares, consumables and tools in the UK.

Allen Ford (UK) Ltd

The second deal saw Cherry advising Allen Ford (UK) Ltd on the acquisition of the site for a new purpose built Ford car dealership in Nuneaton, as the company's existing Hinckley Road site is being redeveloped into a supermarket.

Mike Phillips, managing director of Allen Ford, said: "We needed to work to tight deadlines on a recent project, which meant we required legal advice and processes which were particularly detailed, accurate, timely and efficient at every stage.

"Higgs & Sons delivered in every aspect."

With a history stretching back 100 years, to the days when founder Charles Henry Allen first worked with the Model T Ford, Allen Ford was acquired in 2014 by Super Group, an international company based in South Africa.

Today the company is firmly established as one of the UK's leading suppliers of Ford cars and vans, from a network of 19 locations across the south of England and the West Midlands and employs more than 700 people.

Higgs & Sons is based in the heart of the Black Country at the Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill. The growing team boasts more than 100 specialist lawyers available to support clients in a comprehensive range of business and private sectors.

For more information on Higgs & Sons commercial property services please contact Cherry on 0345 111 5050 or Cherry.Elliott@higgsandsons.co.uk