Sills & Betteridge LLP Advise Battles on Acquisition of Trilanco

Law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has advised the Battles Group on its recent multi-million pound acquisition of Trilanco Ltd, bringing together two established UK wholesalers serving the equine, pet, agricultural and animal health sectors.

The transaction sees Trilanco become part of Lincoln based Battle, Hayward & Bower Ltd, which operates under its parent company, DC Holdings Ltd. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the group’s position across multiple categories and enhance its distribution capability in competitive markets. Battles and Trilanco each supply more than 2,000 retailers nationwide. Battle Hayward & Bower Ltd, part of the Battles group, has nearly 200 years’ experience in manufacturing and wholesaling, while Lancashire based Trilanco, which has been in operating in the animal sector for some 47 years, now from a purpose-built 110,000-square-foot distribution centre also supporting a broad portfolio of agricultural, equine, pet and smallholding products. Corporate Partner Martin Walsh led the firm's legal team advising Battles on the transaction. “We are very pleased to have supported Battles over many months on this strategic acquisition, helping to bring together two well-established wholesalers with strong reputations and complementary distribution networks to create a significant opportunity for growth across several specialist sectors. It was a pleasure to work with the Battles ownership and management team on this important milestone of growth for its business.” The enlarged merged group will be led by Battles owner and Managing Director, Richard Dewey, who commented: “Martin has some 30 years extensive experience in the corporate arena, particularly in the M&A sector. This experience, coupled with his sound commercial advice, proved on a number of occasions, to be invaluable in getting the transaction over the line. Assisted by Corporate Team colleague Ryan Palmer, he provided clear and pragmatic advice throughout the transaction. There was also a significant property element, in respect of which Commercial Property Partner, Raj Blackburn's work was invaluable. Sills long-standing relationship with Battles and deep understanding of our business, built up over many years, combined with their support during negotiations, helped us complete the acquisition smoothly. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Martin and the Sill's team to anyone buying or selling a company or business." Following completion, wholesale operations are expected to be consolidated at the Lancashire distribution centre, with manufacturing and brand management activities remaining in Lincoln.