Ashtons Legal advises Marlows DIY & Garden Centre Limited on their sale to the company behind the Tripp Batt country store

Posted 16/06/2015

Ashtons Legal have advised Marlows DIY & Garden Centre Limited (“Marlows”), the independent home and garden centre based in Bury St Edmunds, on their sale to The Con Mech Group who are the owners of the Stanton based Tripp Batt country store.

The Con Mech Group who are based in Darlington, County Durham, have owned Trip Batt since 1988.  They will retain the Marlows name and to continue running the business in its present form with all employees transferring to the new ownership.

Geoff Hazlewood, a partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Team at Ashtons Legal led the corporate transaction with fellow partner Simon Cunningham leading on the related property sale.  Solicitor Abi Adams advised on the employment aspects.

Michael Underwood, director of Marlows said; “We felt the time was right to sell the business due to advancing years.  Our customers and staff have been very loyal to Marlows over the years and we are very grateful for that.  We wish the business every success in the future.”

He added: “The Team at Ashtons Legal led by Geoff Hazlewood and Simon Cunningham were a pleasure to work with.  They were always available to answer any of our questions and shepherd the deal through to a successful completion.”

Geoff Hazlewood added: “It has been a pleasure advising Michael on this transaction.  The acquisition really compliments the existing Con Mech Group portfolio and I am sure Marlows customers will see little difference at the centre.”