ONE of the largest animal feed producers in Yorkshire and the North-East has been acquired in a major deal.

The acquisition of Murton-based William Thompson (York) Ltd by agricultural supplies business B.A.T. A of Malton has created a group with a turnover of more than £110m a year.

William Thompson was acquired by its five-strong management team in 2007 and they will all stay with the enlarged business.

B.A.T. A also has country stores and a range of agricultural fuels, and the deal, for an undisclosed sum, is considered one of the biggest corporate deals in North Yorkshire this year.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of William Thompson, said: “The sale of our business to B.A.T.A. is good news for both companies, our current and future customers and, importantly, for the Yorkshire agriculture sector.

"The strength and depth of the group will provide even more specialist help and service to our customers businesses helping them navigate through the global challenges that face the agricultural sector."

A team from JWPCreers, North Yorkshire accountants and business advisers, and commercial lawyer, Philip Lewis Ogden, from Harrowells Solicitors, York, advised William Thompson's management on the sale which was completed exactly seven years to the day since their management buy out.

Tony Farmer, JWPCreers corporate finance partner, said: “We have advised William Thompson (York) Ltd since the MBO as company auditors and through our agricultural department led by partner, Stephen Headley. Given the complexity of this deal, and the timescales worked to, we feel we have played a major role in what has been a significant corporate transaction."

Detailed work by JWPCreers started 12 months ago and involved structuring the sale, arranging finance, handling tax issues, preparing exit planning, and auditing through a team which also involved corporate finance associate, Katy Booth and tax associate, Alastair Byrne.

Mr Ogden, who also advised on the previous management buy out, carried out detailed due diligence and also advised on the legal aspects of taxation issues resulting from the sale. Marie Horner, Harrowells head of employment law, advised on service contracts and employment law to the business.

Mr Ogden said: “Having been part of the original professional team supporting the Thompson’s MBO, I am very pleased to have been involved throughout and advised on this exciting sale. This will make a significant and positive contribution to the entire enlarged group.”

William Thompson provides a wide range of dairy, pig, beef, sheep, game and fish feed compounds to farmers throughout Yorkshire and the North East. It was founded as a grocery shop in Goodramgate, York, by William Thompson 88 years ago.

JWPCreers, which has offices in York and Selby, has eight partners and 80 staff operating throughout the north.