DLA Piper has advised Lotus Bakeries (Lotus), a Belgium biscuit and cake manufacturer, on a strategic partnership with Natural Balance Foods (NBF), a British wholefood company. The partnership, which was completed in just 4 weeks, provides Lotus with over 67% of shares in NBF from external, non-active investors. The founders have retained the majority of their shares. 

The partnership will develop the key brands of NBF,  Nakd and Trek, whose sales have tripled over the past three years. Lotus has a well-established background in internationalising consumer goods and will provide NBF with the resources necessary to grow the UK market and continue targeted global expansion.  

Advising from DLA Piper was a cross-practice team led by Corporate partners Koen Selleslags and Jim Lavery with Nigel Cooke, Didier Roemers, Adam Arnett, Michael Deshmukh and Suzanne Doogan (all Corporate). Employment advice was given by Robert Forsyth, Will Thornton and Sophie Lake  with  Matt Davies and Eve Miles advising on tax aspects of the deal. The team also comprised Gemma Lawrence (Finance), Matthew Shaw (Litigation & Regulatory), Gareth Stokes, Jennifer Dale, Satnam Sahota (all IPT) and Lucy Benton (Real Estate).

Jim Lavery said: "Over the past few years, the demand for healthy, unprocessed snacking solutions has grown dramatically across the globe. This partnership will help Lotus Bakeries to diversify its traditional, indulgent product portfolio and meet the demands of contemporary, health-conscious consumers. We are delighted to have advised on this partnership."  

Natural Balance Foods was advised by Eversheds LLP.