Gambit Corporate Finance LLP acted as lead adviser to the shareholders on the sale of the award-winning Cornish Country Larder Limited (“CCL”) to Milk Link, the farmer-owned integrated dairy business.
Founded in 1996, CCL has played a leading role in the development of the British soft cheese market. From its Trevarrian Creamery, it produces a range of hard and soft cheese from both cows’ and goats’ milk.
The award-winning range includes Cornish Brie and Camembert, and its brands include Gevrik soft goats cheese and St Endellion Cornish Brie. Its products are sold through all major supermarkets.
The acquisition of CCL will complement Milk Link’s wide range of cheeses produced across the UK.
CCL’s founder and Managing Director John Gaylard, who is being retained as a consultant to Milk Link, said “The transaction was protracted due to a number of reasons. Throughout the process, we found Gambit’s
advice commercial and their knowledge of the sector, combined with their commitment to attain results, assisted the shareholders in achieving a successful outcome.”
Geraint Rowe, Partner of Gambit commented “This transaction demonstrates that, even in an economic downturn, good businesses will attract buyers that recognise the value of strategic acquisitions, and that
creative deal structures can be found to solve the problems of both buyers and sellers.
This transaction again illustrates Gambit’s experience in the food and beverage sector and follows on from our role advising the founder of Tyrrells Potato Chips on his exit from the business, which was announced a week before the Cornish Country Larder transaction.”