Travers Smith LLP has advised existing client Agrial Group on the acquisition by its Beverage Division of Aston Manor, the UK's largest independent cider producer.
Founded in 1983, Aston Manor is a Birmingham-based cider manufacturer, with £134 million turnover for 2017. It has a range of brands including Kingstone Press, Frosty Jack's and Knights, and also develops own-label products for British retailers. The acquisition marks a further step in the international expansion of Eclor, Agrial's Beverage Division, which is the leading player in the French cider market and already has a presence in the United States.
Marc Roubaud, Eclor Managing Director commented: "It was crucial to significantly strengthen our international presence on the cider market by gaining a foothold in the world’s leading market, which is comparable to ours and our members’ orchards. Aston Manor and Eclor are similar companies, with shared priorities both in terms of popular brands as well as own-label products, and we are thrilled to join forces to give our customers an expanded portfolio.”
The Travers Smith team was led by Corporate Partner William Howard, together with Corporate Associate Alexander Cohen-Santi and Senior Commercial, IP & Technology Associate Sonny Mallet. Tax advice was provided by Senior Associate Tom Rickford. Pensions advice was provided by Senior Associate Andrew Lewis and Associate Carmel Dodd.
Will Howard has previously advised Agrial on its 2017 acquisition of MyFresh Prepared Produce Limited, a Wigan-based salad processing company, and the 2016 acquisition of Axgro Foods Ltd.