Verder Group has acquired the 230 year old corporate group, which has expertise in areas including dairy, industrial processing equipment for use in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, stainless steel centrifugal pumps and surface treatment of stainless steel.

The acquisition will strengthen Verder Group’s position in the hygienic and food processing applications and industrial pump sectors. At the same time, it creates an exciting strategic opportunity for the Group to enter the milking systems business with Fullwood’s technological capabilities and strong position in the European market.

Together the combined group will employ almost 1500 people, serving customers worldwide.

The Weightmans team advised Verder Group on all aspects of the deal and was led by Haroon Younis, who provided corporate support and assistance, with support from Ben Collins (Corporate), Haydn Rogan (Tax), Nick Newman and Mark Poulston (Employment and Pensions) and Nigel Price (Real Estate).

Andries Verder, CEO Verder International said:

“We are very excited to be adding Fullwood Packo to the Verder group of companies. Weightmans successfully supported us for the third time on an acquisition in the UK. They simplified the whole process, all in a very short time period, and we were pleased with the advice and support provided by the team. We feel we can support the Fullwood and Packo companies to grow and continue to succeed over the coming years.”

Michelle Mathers, Corporate Partner at Weightmans Leeds office added:

“We are delighted that Verder Group has completed this key strategic acquisition and to have been so closely involved as their legal team. This was a significant deal, involving companies in the UK, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Ireland. Our cross-discipline team managed the process extremely effectively, demonstrating how our expertise lends itself to multi-national projects.”