Liberation Group deal demonstrates breadth of Ogier expertise

The multi-disciplinary work by Ogier on the competition, property, employment, planning, liquor licensing, corporate and finance elements of the sale of Liberation Group to Caledonia Investments plc demonstrates the strength of the firm’s local legal services, says partner Jonathan Hughes.

Lawyers in Jersey and Guernsey worked to support Macfarlanes LLP on the Channel Island elements of the £118 million deal for the Channel Islands’ market leading pub, restaurant and drinks business.

The Liberation Group has 94 managed and tenanted pubs in the Channel Islands and south west of England, two award-winning breweries (Liberation Brewery which produces Liberation Ale, and Butcombe Brewery which produces Butcombe Bitter) and three drinks distribution businesses.

Jonathan, who heads Ogier’s Channel Islands Local Legal Services team, said: “The legal elements to this deal demanded co-operation across jurisdictions and over a wide field of legal areas ranging from corporate to liquor licensing, and from competition to employment law.

“This deal perfectly demonstrates the strength that we as a firm can bring to complex matters that span a range of legal disciplines.”

Contracts have now been exchanged for the acquisition and completion is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of The Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities (CICRA).