12/06/12

German firm cooking up kitchen deal after acquiring Kent partner

A German kitchen specialist is hoping to sink its teeth further into the UK market after acquiring its Kent-based partner.

Alno UK bought out Sevenoaks-based Built-In Kitchens, which has operated as the firm’s Southern Contracts trader since 1995, with assistance from Vertex Law and Zenon Transaction Services.

The move sees Alno UK take a more direct route to market, having established an extensive retail presence during the past 30 years through a network of Alno Premier Retailers, including Built-In Kitchens, and John Lewis department stores nationwide.

The shareholders of Built-In Kitchens will continue to play a role in the business which offers a complete design, installation and project management service.

Vertex Law, based at Kings Hill, acted on behalf of the shareholders of Built-In Kitchens, providing the company with corporate and property assistance.

Corporate lawyer Salim Somjee, pictured above, said: “This deal required input from a number of our experienced lawyers in our corporate and property teams.

“This acquisition allows Alno UK to take a more hands-on approach to its operations in England and Wales.

“With Vertex having worked with Richard Price (of Zenon) on the original acquisition by our clients of the company back in 2006, it is great to see them being recognised and rewarded for the hard work and effort they have put in to making such a success of the business.”

Richard Price, director of Aylesford-based Zenon Transaction Services, added: “We were delighted to structure and project manage the deal, providing our expertise on the accounting, finance and taxation aspects of the transaction.”

Alno UK managing director Jonathon Wagstaff said: “This acquisition rewards the shareholders of Built-In for their great work over the last six years and provides a platform for all the stakeholders in the business to benefit as the operation is now expanded nationwide.”

Built-In Kitchens majority shareholders Dean Williams and Martin Knight said: “This deal opens a new chapter for our business.

“We would like to thank Vertex Law and Zenon Transaction Services for all their hard work, professionalism and attention to detail, which ensured this deal was completed in a timely and efficient manner.”