Higgs LLP’s award winning Corporate team has advised prominent Black Country headquartered Boss Design on its sale to the Japanese listed corporate Okamura. In addition to support in connection with the sale, Higgs’ role included advising in relation to various tax, property, commercial and employment aspects of the deal.
Boss Design was founded in 1983 by Brian Murray – he transformed a small workshop into a globally respected brand which stands at the forefront of furniture design and manufacture. The business has offices in Dudley, Cheltenham, London and the US and employs over 250 people across the Group. Following the sale, Murray will continue to lead Boss, ensuring that the brand identity remains at the core of its operations.
Richard Griffiths, Head of Corporate at Higgs LLP and who led the Higgs team commented,
“We are extremely proud to have been able to support Brian and the team on what is a pre-eminent deal for the region. Boss is an incredible business, and I am sure will continue to go from strength to strength as part of the Okamura Group. We have unrivalled experience of working with owner managed businesses advising the owners with their succession plans and this deal adds to our considerable credentials in this regard.
Our corporate, tax and private client teams worked in tandem to ensure that the deal was structured in the most tax efficient manner and that due consideration was given to the individual sellers’ future plans and requirements.”
Richard Griffiths
Head of Corporate
Brian Murray said, “We always believe in pushing boundaries whilst maintaining an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. Okamura are an extremely high-quality manufacturer whose principles blend perfectly with Boss Design. They have Global scale and resource which will be to the mutual benefit of both companies. It is a very exciting position to be in. We are grateful to Richard and the team at Higgs for helping us through this process. Richard and his team are bright and down to earth and were a pleasure to deal with.”
Higgs worked alongside EY who provided corporate finance and tax advice to the sellers.
