Wake Smith advised the shareholders of leading UK manufacturer Billington International Ltd on the company's acquisition by a national pallet and packaging business.
James Jones & Sons (Pallets & Packaging) Ltd bought Rotherham-based Billington Group for an undisclosed sum as part of a strategic expansion plan late last year.
The deal saw James Jones take control of established family firm Billington’s business operations and current office and warehouse premises on Bawtry Road, Wickersley, ensuring a smooth transition for the group’s long-standing and loyal customer base and staff.
The acquisition allows Stirlingshire-headquartered James Jones to further expand its range of products and services, which includes new pallets, pallet repair, pallet management, recycled pallets and bespoke packaging solutions, and to strengthen its market position in the pallet and packaging sector, adding to its 11 sites across the UK.
The Wake Smith team was led by corporate director John Baddeley with director Rebecca Robinson assisting along with commercial property solicitor Laura Sanderson.
John Baddeley, who acted for the Billington Group, added: “We are delighted to have acted for the shareholders of Billington on the disposal of the entire issued share capital to a well-established and reputable buyer in the sector. The shareholders saw a natural fit for the company into James Jones which has employees and customer service at its heart.
“A smooth handover of responsibilities for the Billington business to its new owners will ensure continuity of the first-class supply of its products and services.”
Billington International was launched in 1985 by Frank Billington and grew to become a leading provider of wooden pallet collars and accessories to a wide range of retail businesses across the UK, with an unrivalled reputation for quality products and customer service.
Wooden pallet collars help prevent spillage and damage, ensuring that irregular items are secured during transit.
