Travers Smith LLP has advised European leisure park operator Looping Group on its acquisition of iconic British theme park Drayton Manor.
Looping Group has a strong presence in the leisure park industry, with this latest acquisition bringing its total number of parks to 16, three located in the UK. Drayton Manor Park is a historic family attraction located in the Midlands. With its 100+ rides, 15-acre conservation zoo and Europe's only Thomas Land, it will be Looping Group's largest park yet, bringing in around £30 million of revenue per year.
The acquisition was completed in the context of a pre-pack administration process, under which Looping Group acquired the business and assets of Drayton Manor. The Bryan family, who have run Drayton Manor since incorporation, will remain with the business and continue to be an integral part of the management of the park moving forward.
The Travers Smith team was led by Corporate Partner Will Howard with support from Corporate Associate Alexander Cohen-Santi. The wider team included Commercial, IP & Technology Partner Ben Chivers supported by Associates Alex Figurski and Andy Maxwell, Employment Partner Adam Wyman supported by Senior Associate Charmaine Pollock and Associate Hanna Bates-Martens, Real Estate Partner Alex Millar supported by Senior Associate Tony Dosanjh and Associate Neela Bhurtun, Operational Risk Senior Counsel John Buttanshaw supported by Associate Alexandra MacBean, Tax Partner Hannah Manning supported by Associate Rob Smith and Finance Partner Ed Smith supported by Senior Associate Natalie Scoones and Associates Phoebe Hanglin and Sam Van Besouw.
The Travers Smith team previously advised Looping Group on its acquisition of West Midland Safari Park Limited in 2018.
