Corporate Deal Highlights for 2020

Now that we are more than halfway through 2020, it seemed like a good time to take stock of the deal activity that our Corporate team have completed this year.

Our Corporate team have advised on a wide range of transactions including M&A, fundings, reorganisations and joint ventures including:

• The acquisition by AorTech International plc of medical device developer and manufacturer RUA Medical.
   
• The management buy-out of pharmaceutical service business Tepnel Pharma Services from its US parent Hologic and associated funding arrangements.
   
• The acquisition of an 80% stake in each of Jackson Trawls and Jackson Offshore Supplies for listed Icelandic client Hampidjan.
   
• The sale of a majority stake in specialist premium spirits distribution company Indie Brands to Amber Beverage Group.
   
• The acquisition of Graig Fatha CE Turbine Ltd for Ripple Energy.
   
• A substantial equity investment into a fish farm business.
   
• The acquisition/sale of over 10 dental practices across Scotland.
   
• Numerous angel syndicate investments into businesses in a variety of sectors – including renewable energy, food and drink, SAAS and medical treatments / devices.
   
• Establishing joint ventures in a variety of sectors, including R&D for biotechnology with one of the UK’s leading research institutions.
   
• The sale of the entire share capital of one the most well-known holiday park operators in Scotland.
   
• The acquisition of one of Scotland’s oldest pharmacy businesses by Holm Pharm.
   
• Issuing a circular to noteholders for approval of new funding arrangements, with the issue of a new class of secured loan notes and adjustment of existing security ranking.
   
• The reconstruction/demerger of a property investment company based in Edinburgh.

Despite the current Covid pandemic, there is and will continue to be deal activity over the remainder of 2020.

It will be interesting to see if there is a noticeable change in the nature of the activity as a result of this ‘new normal’ – e.g. if particular sectors show increased deal volume, the extent to which exits are delayed or brought forward, and the proportion of investments into existing portfolio companies compared to new investments.