Smith & Williamson advises on Horwood Homewares’ acquisition of Australian eco-business

A multi-disciplinary team from financial and professional services firm Smith & Williamson in Bristol has advised kitchenware supplier Horwood Homewares on its acquisition of an Australian eco-business.

Avonmouth-based Horwood has acquired EcoSouLife, an environmentally conscious company focused on disposable and reusable alternatives to plastic and foam.

EcoSouLife, based in Melbourne, has become part of the Horwood Life subsidiary.

The Smith & Williamson team was led by Marcus Graham, head of transaction services in Bristol, and Mark Lord, director, corporate finance, with tax structuring advice from corporate tax partner Dave Mouncey.

“Smith & Williamson continues to grow its reputation as a leading advisor to the South West private equity, banking and corporate communities,” says Marcus Graham.

“This deal is another excellent example of how our 15-strong integrated transactions team in Bristol can assist clients on cross-border mergers and acquisitions.”

The deal completed within a week of the sale of RAP International to Yokogawa Electric Corporation, on which Smith & Williamson also advised.

RAP International, based in Swansea, specialises in risk assessment software used in high hazard industries by clients including many of the world’s blue-chip oil and gas companies. The Smith & Williamson team for the RAP International deal was led by Martyn Fraser and Ronan Brophy, from the firm’s transactions team.

Legal advice on the Horwood Homewares deal was provided by the corporate team at Michelmores.