Ensuring a smooth journey to exit for world-leading manufacturer

We’ve supported MPE Group Limited’s growth as an award-winning manufacturing business since 1997. When its shareholders decided to exit the business to a US group, we established a team of corporate, employment, intellectual property and real estate experts to provide commercial and tailored legal advice on all parts of the transaction. 

27 years of multidisciplinary legal support

MPE is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance EMC/EMP, HEMP and TEMPEST filters and capacitor products for supply to the automotive, defence, telecoms and other professional industries. Based in Liverpool, over 65% of its manufactured products are exported outside the UK. In recognition of the business’s success, it was conferred with the King’s Award for Enterprise in 2023.

Our involvement began when we supported its management team with a buy-out (MBO) of the business from Adwest Group plc, supported by Merseyside Special Investment Fund. Over the following 27 years, we supported the company with several transactions, internal reorganisations, senior departures, commercial contracts, intellectual property issues and joint ventures before ultimately preparing the company for an exit.

Guidance through journey to exit

In its recent exit sale, we negotiated the terms of the sale and transaction documents. Our employment, intellectual property and property teams also advised on employment contracts, patent assignment and an assignment of lease.

The longstanding connection we had with MPE proved to be invaluable during the sale process. For example, when the buyer requested to review the 1997 MBO, we were quickly able to provide the paperwork and our extensive background knowledge, which enabled us to allay any fears that the buyer may otherwise have had.

Career highlight

For our Partner, Rupert Gill — who has worked for MPE since 1997 during his trainee days — working on this exit was a career highlight. 

“One of the great pleasures of my role is to see owner-managers realise the benefit of years of hard work”, said Rupert. “To have been involved with MPE from the very start right through to its sale has been a real privilege. I wish David Seabury and Paul Currie well and extend my congratulations on a job well done”. 

Talk to us

If you’re thinking about your exit options, our corporate team is here to support you throughout the entire process. Our capabilities as a full-service law firm enable us to assist with whatever you need, whenever you need it and ensure a smooth transaction.

Talk to our experts by giving us a call, sending us an email or completing our contact form below.