Robson Taylor Corporate Finance advises on the MBO of Charles Saunders Limited.

Robson Taylor Corporate Finance advised management on the MBO of the Bristol based fresh and frozen fish wholesaler, Charles Saunders.

Originally established by Chris Scott who bought the Bristol fishmonger business from MacFisheries in the 1980’s, Charles Saunders then moved into wholesale fresh fish and ultimately frozen foods and catering based provisions. The company supplies to a number of organisations in the region including restaurants, schools and NHS Trusts.

Managing Director Darren Gaulton who led the buy-out has worked for the company for 19 years and is now looking to take the business to a new level of growth, by drawing existing customers’ attention to the expanded range of fresh, frozen and dry goods available from stock, as well as providing a fish market tailored to retail customers looking for somewhere with more variety of fish than their local supermarket.

Darren commented that he was “delighted to have completed the management buy out which allows me to take the business forward under my ownership. I am also grateful to Jo Honess at RBS, Nick Harber and Melanie Fowler at Robson Taylor who, by really understanding the business, were able to deliver advice and a deal structure tailored to my needs.”

Legal support for management was provided by corporate lawyers Roxburgh Milkins. Richard Hopkins, Partner at Roxburgh Milkins commented “It was enjoyable to work on a transaction where all the professionals, including the Vendors solicitors Veale Wasbrough, focused clearly on the commercial aspects of the deal. Working closely together we have completed this transaction in the planned date and met the expectations of all parties.”