Kennedys advises Harvey & Brockless on UAE aspects of sale to The Compleat Food Group

Kennedys has recently advised Harvey & Brockless on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aspects of its sale to The Compleat Food Group. The firm assisted with the restructuring of the group prior to its acquisition, and advised on all UAE-related aspects of the sale.

Harvey & Brockless produces and distributes artisan food products, specialising in products such as cheese, honey and charcuterie. Known for their quality offering, its clients include farm shops, hotels and restaurants across both the UK and UAE.

The acquisition forms part of The Compleat Food Group’s strategy to strengthen their foothold in the chilled prepared food sector, aiming to become the UK’s number 1 chilled prepared food company. The addition of Harvey & Brockless will broaden their product portfolio, with its artisan food products complementing The Compleat Food Group’s existing offering. As a result of the acquisition, the food group’s annual turnover is expected to increase to over £1 billion.

The transaction involved operations across the UK and the UAE, requiring expertise in cross-border operations. Kennedys regional corporate commercial head, partner Sean Angle, led on the UAE elements of the deal on behalf of Harvey & Brockless UK shareholders, assisted by corporate colleagues Firas Habib, Kinjal Labroo and Patricia Correia. Kennedys’ Dubai based team worked closely with lead UK counsel for the sellers, Trethowans, with the deal closing recently.

Partner Sean Angle commented on the transaction, “I have had an excellent relationship with Harvey & Brockless, and its shareholders, for several years. We were pleased to support them in this deal, and is yet another example of our growing regional corporate and commercial practice and expanding international reach”.

With around 500 employees, Harvey & Brockless will continue to operate as its own brand under the leadership of their current management team. The transaction follows The Compleat Food Group’s acquisition of two private-label suppliers of chilled party foods and dips and deli fillings, SK Foods and Zorba Foods, earlier this year.