Solicitors oversee health firm’s purchase of rival

Swinburne Maddison, in Durham City, helped surgical and medical device maker GBUK acquire the entire capital share of Quintal Healthcare.

Bosses say the deal, carried out by Swinburne Maddison’s corporate team, was concluded for an undisclosed sum.

Quintal makes and distributes seated and lateral transfer boards as well as a range of glide sheets, which are used to move patients, as well as turning equipment and handling belts.

Swinburne says the deal reinforces GBUK’s healthcare division with an established base in a new market sector. The company carried out legal due diligence on behalf of GBUK and negotiated the principal share purchase agreement.

Martyn Tennant, who is head of Swinburne’s corporate team, said the deal’s structure was simple, but revealed differences between the two businesses made negotiation of terms to ensure continuity challenging.

He said: “I’m delighted we have been able to advise GBUK on an acquisition of this nature and support the client during an exciting time in its evolution.”

Guy Mills, owner of GBUK, added: “The acquisition of Quintal Healthcare is an important step for us.

“It will reinforce our healthcare division by providing us with a strong base in a new and complementary market segment.

“The advice and support from Swinburne Maddison was invaluable for ensuring a seamless process.”

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo revealed Swinburne had helped a housing development move closer.

It completed a triple-site purchase on behalf of Prince Bishops Homes, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Derwentside Homes.

The three sites, which are in the Stanley area of County Durham, were bought from Durham County Council.

The deal will help the building of 59 two-bed bungalows and eight threebed houses in what will be an £8 million project.

Swinburne Maddison has a longstanding relationship with Derwentside Homes, which owns and manages about 6,700 properties formerly owned by Derwentside District Council.