Transaction Highlights Law firm’s Strength In Rapidly Consolidating Sector

The Corporate team at Irwin Mitchell has further established its credentials in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) sector after advising on a deal which has seen a significant investment by Normec Group into Ashbury Global.

Headquartered in Amsterdam and employing around 5,000 people, Normec Group is a leader in the TICC sector. Operating across Europe, its acquisition and investment align with Ashbury Global’s long-term strategy to scale its operations globally while continuing to offer tailored regulatory solutions.

Ashbury Global is a leading UK-based provider of product information and labelling compliance services, specialising in assisting food and drink businesses in navigating the complex global regulatory landscape.

The Corporate team, led by Ben Gale and supported by Ben Jones and Shanice Begum, advised on the deal.

This deal marks the second transaction where Irwin Mitchell has advised on a sale to Normec Group, having previously advised on the sale of the Crowthorne Group in June 2023.

Expert Opinion

"This deal is a significant milestone for both Ashbury Global and Normec Group and once again highlights Normec Group’s clear international growth ambitions. It also demonstrates Irwin Mitchell's expertise in the TICC sector, a rapidly consolidating industry where we’ve successfully completed multiple transactions. We were delighted to advise our clients on this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the combined businesses go from strength to strength." Ben Gale, Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell.

James Post, Founder and Managing Director of Ashbury Global, said:

“Ben Gale played a pivotal role in advising on this transaction, bringing his deep legal expertise and commercial acumen to ensure a smooth and successful deal process. His strategic guidance and commitment were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the transaction, reinforcing Irwin Mitchell’s reputation in the TICC sector. His diligence and pragmatic approach were highly valued by all parties involved, contributing to another successful outcome for the firm in this rapidly evolving industry.”

The Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance sector in the UK is a significant part of the economy, employing thousands of professionals across various industries.

The sector is valued at approximately £10 billion and continues to grow as businesses increasingly rely on TICC services to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain high levels of quality and safety. The UK TICC sector is characterized by a mix of large multinational companies and numerous SMEs, all contributing to the robust and dynamic nature of the industry.

Oaklins Evelyn Partners acted as lead corporate finance adviser to Ashbury Global on this transaction.