RPG advises Alliance Disposables on becoming 100% employee owned

Published on July 14, 2021 by Chris Poston

We are delighted to have advised Alliance Disposables, a major supplier of catering disposables and equipment in the UK and Ireland, in the transfer of 100% of the company’s ownership into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

The company, which employs approximately 600 people between its Crewe headquarters and twelve depots around the UK and Ireland, was founded in 1999, and was previously majority owned by its founder directors.  Alliance has grown significantly to a projected turnover of £130m in 2021/22.

Chris Poston, Client Relationship Director and Group Board Director for RPG Chartered Accountants incorporating Crawfords who advised Alliance on the EOT said: “The Directors considered a number of options for the future of the company, but concluded that the transfer of 100% ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) was the best fit for the culture and ethos which has been built up within the company. The directors are confident that employee ownership will further facilitate the continued growth and development of the business and provide secure employment for the team.”

David Elder, Managing Director commented “Alliance has always been particular about maintaining a long-term relationship with its customers and staff. To ensure that those values can be sustained, necessitated us taking a more progressive approach, and this has resulted in the transfer of the business to employee ownership.

“Often, the sale of a business results in significant disruption and change. We see this as a solid way of maintaining stability and to continue the growth and development of Alliance. We look forward to our employees sharing in the future success”

Further adding “Prospects for future growth are looking exceptionally positive.“

The day to day management and running of the company will not be affected by the change.  The current Directors will continue to run the business and a trustee board has been established to provide a corporate governance framework which will ensure that the EOT acts in the best interest of the employees.

Alliance is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of non-food catering disposables and equipment, operating from a national distribution centre in Crewe and multiple regional depots. It recently opened a successful business in Ireland. Customers range from hotels, pubs and restaurants to public sector NHS, leisure and care markets.

The Alliance team were advised by Chris Poston of RPG Chartered Accountants incorporating Crawfords, and Rebecca Grisewood and Rachel Dean of Gateley Legal.  The EOT was advised by Emma Hickman of JMW Solicitors.

Please contact us if you would like to have a discussion with Chris Poston or one of the team regarding alternative business structures and corporate tax planning. Email info@rpg.co.uk

 

Written by Chris Poston

Chris assists clients in all areas of their business activities including business consultancy, taxation, tax planning, forensic and transactional services. Chris develops a strong bond with each of his clients, providing them with highly commercial advice. Email: cposton@rpg.co.uk

View all posts by Chris Poston
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