Freeths advises on Coverworld’s sale

Freeths has played a pivotal role in the successful sale of Coverworld UK Limited to Kingspan Group plc, a global leader in high-performance building materials. This transaction signifies a major milestone for Coverworld, well-known as one of the UK’s top producers and suppliers of coated steel cladding systems. The acquisition not only bolsters Kingspan's presence in the UK’s steel cladding sector, but also demonstrates the strategic value of Coverworld’s operations, which feature a purpose-built facility and a fleet of self-offloading vehicles that deliver over 25,000 tons of steel coil each year.

Freeths acted as legal counsel for Coverworld and its shareholders while collaborating with Iain Lownes and Sabial Hanif from Oaklins S&W, alongside PKF Smith Cooper and other advisors. The merger was approved by the UK Competition and Markets Authority in August, following a Phase 1 enquiry. Leading the legal team was Corporate Partner Peter Crawford, who was supported by a diverse group of professionals, including Partner Andrew Maxwell, Director Tomasin Reilly, and Managing Associates Emma Lythgoe and Alex Angelides, among others.

Peter Crawford expressed his satisfaction regarding the transaction by stating, “We were delighted to support Coverworld on this landmark transaction. The deal reflects the strength and reputation of the business and its alignment with Kingspan’s strategic ambitions. It was a pleasure to work alongside the Coverworld team and our fellow advisors to deliver a successful outcome.”

Coverworld Founder Peter Hunt shared his excitement about the sale saying, “We are delighted to have now completed the sale of Coverworld to Kingspan plc, and we look forward to seeing the business succeed under new ownership. Thank you to Peter Crawford and the wider Freeths team. Their involvement was outstanding throughout the whole process. Freeths' unwavering support coupled with their diverse expertise proved key in achieving the successful outcome.”

This intricate transaction not only highlights Freeths’ expertise in complex mid-market M&A but also underscores their commitment to assisting UK businesses in navigating strategic growth and transition.