The corporate and real estate teams at Shoosmiths Manchester have advised Lancashire-based James Hall and Company Limited on the purchase of North East Convenience Stores Limited.

The deal saw James Hall and Company Limited purchase the entire issued share capital of North East Convenience Stores Limited, which operates 30 shops under the Nisa and Bargain Booze fascias from its head office in is Blyth, Northumberland.

Preston-based James Hall and Company Limited is a Lancashire-based family business which was founded in Southport in 1863. Currently one of the county's largest employers with more than 800 staff, the firm is a wholesaler and distributor for SPAR, serving over 600 stores in the North of England.

Shoosmiths advised on the entirety of the deal, supporting on all corporate and real estate aspects of the transaction. The corporate team was led by Karen Procter, partner who was assisted by Damien Brown, senior associate and James Skivington, solicitor. Real estate advice was led by Andrew Pattinson, with support from Garry King, senior associate, Helen Poulter, solicitor and Neil Bradley, associate.

Commenting on the deal, Shoosmiths' Karen Procter said, 'We are very happy to have been able to support James Hall and Company Limited, a long-standing client, in securing this strategic purchase that will significantly enhance its presence in the North East and support its growth strategy. We wish the team continued success as they move into this latest phase of expansion.'

Shoosmiths' corporate team advises public and private companies, management teams, investors and debt providers through the business life cycle. Shoosmiths work with businesses from start-up and first round finance through to mergers and acquisitions, MBO and MBI transactions, development funding and on exits, by way of sale, listing or private equity investment.

Nationally, the corporate team is ranked in joint first place by deal volume in Experian's UK Deal Review and Advisor League Table. The team was recognised for its mergers and acquisitions expertise at the 2015 M&A Awards, winning the Law Firm of the Year category.