Charles Russell Speechlys advises longstanding family trust and charity clients on the sale of Colt Investments Limited

We are pleased to advise the trustees of a number of family trusts and charities on the sale of a minority share in Colt Investments Limited (CIL). CIL is the parent company of Colt Group Limited with over 1,000 employees in 45 countries. The shares were sold as part of a larger transaction of the entire issued share capital in CIL to Kingspan Holding Netherland B.V., which is part of the Kingspan Group, a global leader in high performance insulation and building envelopes. Colt Group specialises in smoke control, ventilation, solar and climate technology.

The team, led by Private Client Partner James Bradford, and supported by Corporate Partner Andrew Collins, advised the trustees in relation to the sale and, in particular, their fiduciary and regulatory duties (including liaising with the Charity Commission).  The team worked closely with DLA Piper (acting for the sellers) and Saffery Champness (who provided valuation advice to the trustees).  

Speaking of the deal, the family commented “We were delighted with James’s and the rest of the CRS team’s timely and pragmatic support during what was a complex and protracted process. Knowing that the trustees’ interests had been properly accounted for during the negotiations was a huge comfort and we were particularly pleased to see all parties’ respective advisers working together collaboratively to ensure a smooth road to completion.”

James noted “We are extremely pleased to have been able to assist the family trusts and charities on the successful sale of their shares in the business and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

James Bradford and Andrew Collins were supported by Private Client Associate, Hannah Connors; Charities Partner Sarah Rowley; and Corporate Associate Jun Park.