Rothera Bray sheds light on deal for family-run vehicle repairer

Rothera Bray's Derby corporate team has advised on the acquisition of a family-run vehicle repairer by the Vella Group.

GB Flint Coachworks is based in Long Eaton and serves Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. It was established in 1962 by Brian Flint and is now led by sons Carl and StJohn, and daughter-in-law Tanya.

The addition of GB Flint Coachworks takes the Vella Group to 20 bodyshop locations throughout England and Wales and further strengthens the group's presence in the Midlands. 

The Rothera Bray team that advised GB Flint Coachworks were partner David Kaplan (corporate), senior associate Liz Mills (corporate), senior associate Marneya Chauhan (commercial property) and managing associate Rachel Mills (employment).  

"It was a pleasure to work with Carl, StJohn and Tanya," said Kaplan. "They have built a very successful family business and joining with the Vella Group will enable the business to benefit from being part of a large group that shares the same family values of integrity, quality and commitment to their customers.  

"I am sure that the business will continue to go from strength to strength as part of the Vella Group."

Carl Flint added: "I am so pleased that my accountant recommended the services of David Kaplan and his team at Rothera Bray. I am impressed by their tenacity, diligence and sheer hard work in their preparation and examination of the detail requested within the transaction. 

"Without their advice and assistance we would not have been able to complete the sale in such a timely and efficient manner.  I have no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone selling or buying a business; they are a top team."

The shareholders of GB Flint Coachworks were also advised by TC-Group (accountancy). Vella Group was advised by Broadfield (legal), FRP Advisory (corporate finance) and Cortus Advisory (due diligence).