Wilsons advises on sale of Blackwells to Waterstones

7 March 2022

Last week the firm's Corporate team advised Toby Blackwell and the other shareholders on the sale of Blackwells to Waterstones.

Wilsons' Corporate team has advised Toby Blackwell and the other Blackwells shareholders on the sale of Blackwells to Waterstones. Blackwells, which has 18 shops, is the country’s largest independent bookseller and has been held within the Blackwell family for 143 years.
 
The multi-disciplinary Wilsons team was led by Corporate partner James Johnson, with support from specialists from across the firm's Corporate, Commercial Property, Employment and Corporate Tax teams. The firm worked alongside BTG Advisory LLP and Blackwells management team on the sale.

Toby Blackwell says: “This is a positive outcome for Blackwells and all our customers in the UK and abroad. Wilsons were instrumental in bringing the transaction, which was at times very demanding, to a successful conclusion. We are very grateful for their commitment and all the hard work put in by James and his team who managed the transaction with great skill and guidance.”

James adds: "It's been a great privilege to be involved in this important chapter in Blackwells' history and to work with Toby, the Blackwells team led by David Prescott and BTG Advisory. It was a fantastic team effort by everyone involved and we wish Blackwells well for the future under its new ownership."




Back to news