Simultaneous transactions set to form the UK's largest independent concrete operator

Mills & Reeve and Grant Thornton UK have advised Peterborough-based PJ Thory on the acquisition of three quarry sites and Gemmix on the acquisition of five ready-mix concrete sites.

Man in a blue suit and square glasses smiling

It is believed the acquisition has created the largest independently owned supplier of ready-mix concrete in the UK. 

These transactions add to the Group’s well-established operations, acquiring the sites from Heidelberg Materials, which was forced to sell them by the Competition and Markets Authority following its acquisition of Mick George Group.

The ready-mix concrete sites are in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, while the quarries are located in Norfolk and Northamptonshire.

Mills & Reeve's team, led by James Hunter and Sophie Denton, provided corporate legal advice with support from colleagues in competition, environmental, property and contracts teams.  

James Hunter, Corporate Partner at Mills & Reeve, said: "It was great working with the team at PJ Thory and Grant Thornton to conclude this deal. We had to support our client on the various complex issues relating to the sites, licences, competition requirements and business transfers. I am really pleased to see this successful family-owned business moving forward so confidently.”

Toby Hare, Corporate Finance Director at Grant Thornton UK, said: “We are delighted to get this deal over the line, it’s been a complex, rigorous, fast-paced and at times challenging, process. PJ Thory has successfully executed multiple opportunistic acquisitions by providing a synergistic fit for the Heidelberg sites, making it the leading independently owned provider in the UK.

“Being deeply embedded within the regional landscape, the team is proud to be supporting another trusted local company on the next, exciting chapter in its growth journey.”

A Mills & Reeve team made up of James Hunter and Sophie Denton has provided corporate legal advice with support from colleagues in regulatory, property and contracts. Toby Hare was assisted by Grant Thornton partner Stuart Davies.



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