Leathes Prior advises on the sale of Bawdeswell Garden Centre
Leathes Prior advised Charmbeck Limited on the sale of Bawdeswell Garden Centre to Cherry Lane Retail Centres Limited.


Established in 1983, Bawdeswell Garden Centre has become one of Norfolk’s most cherished garden centres, offering a wide range of products and services, such as, plants, locally sourced food and gardening supplies. Bawdeswell Garden Centre is also home to the stunning ‘Millennium Garden’ and the much-loved ‘The Reeves Parlour Restaurant’, making it far more than just a garden centre.
Assisting on the sale of Bawdeswell Garden Centre from Leathes Prior were Jack Horwitz and Maggie Berry from our Corporate Team, Lucy Whipps and Kate Wheeler from our Commercial Property Team, and Gareth Stevens from our Employment Team. Assisting on the Accountancy side were Hannah Rutherford and Ben Horner-Glister at Larking Gowen.
A spokesperson for Cherry Lane said, “This is more than an acquisition, it’s the next chapter of a story built on shared values”.
Cherry Lane, also a family-run business prides itself on offering value, quality and a personal approach throughout all 18 of their centres. The acquisition of Bawdeswell Garden Centre helps to compliment this mission, with their already implemented family values.
Following the sale, Sally Robertson, Director of Charmbeck Limited, said “Leathes Prior were excellent for the sale of the family business being sold after a bereavement. Selling the business as a going concern and saving jobs, was our objective. It was an emotional sale and needed the use of several areas of expertise in Leathes Prior to assist our needs. Lucy Whipps went above and beyond at one point. Diligent, professional and no time wasting. Great service. Thank you.”
Jack Horwitz, Senior Associate said “We are delighted to have been able to advise Charmbeck Limited on the sale of Bawdeswell Garden Centre. It was a pleasure to work with all of the directors, but special mention must go to Sally Robertson and Kevin Morris, as well as the company’s accountant, David Baxter, for their hard work in getting this transaction over the line. We look forward to seeing Bawdeswell Garden Centre continue to thrive as part of the Cherry Lane group in the future.”
For more information on how Leathes Prior can help you to sell your business, please contact us via email at info@leathesprior.co.uk or 01603 610911, or head to our Selling Your Business page.


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