Stevens & Bolton LLP has advised renowned shotgun and rifle maker James Purdey & Sons Limited on its acquisition of the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group (RBSG) of Pangbourne, Berkshire. The acquisition completed in April.
James Purdey has been making the finest shotguns and rifles since it was founded in 1814 and has offered a selection of clothing and accessories since 1974. The company, which holds three Royal Warrants, has a shop and gun room – the famous Long Room - in Audley House in Mayfair, London and a factory in Hammersmith. It is part of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, which owns several of the world's leading luxury goods companies.
The acquisition includes the Royal Berkshire Shooting School set in 65 acres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the Gun Shop, a retail outlet with meeting and hospitality facilities, the Royal Berkshire Sporting Agency and The Really Wild Clay Company which arranges simulated game shoots across the UK.
The Stevens & Bolton team was led by corporate partner Ken Woffenden, supported by Oscar Horwich and James Stenning (corporate), Jennifer Howell (commercial), Sean Hogan (employment), Charlotte Tillet and Joanna Morris (IP), Ian Craig and Mary Liu (property).
Ken Woffenden commented: “Whilst we have worked with the Richemont Group for several years, this was the first time we have had the opportunity to represent James Purdey. We are very happy to have been able to assist them in such an interesting and high profile transaction.”