The Corporate team has advised Wyvols Court Farm Holdings Limited (Wyvols), headed by master English willow grower Rory Waterer, on its acquisition of Chase Cricket Limited (Chase), one of the UK’s most respected specialist cricket bat manufacturers.
The transaction brings together a century‑long heritage of premium English willow cultivation with nearly 30 years of bat‑making craftsmanship. By acquiring Chase, Rory Waterer has united the high‑grade willow production at Wyvols Court Farm, whose willow has been used in the bats of some of cricket’s greatest players, with the renowned bat‑making operation at Chase, which was founded in 1996 and has an outstanding reputation for its traditional hand‑finishing and performance‑driven design.
The acquisition marks a rare moment in the cricket equipment sector, creating one of the only vertically integrated operations in the sport where willow growing and high‑end bat manufacturing sit under one ownership.
On working with FSP, Rory Waterer commented: “Ross and the FSP team were very responsive throughout the transaction, there was great teamwork on the home team, and this allowed us to get the transaction over the line within the desired timeframe. I would have no hesitation recommending them to others looking for M&A solicitors.”
The transaction was led by Ross Brymer (Senior Associate, Corporate) with assistance from Edward Deutrom (Solicitor, Corporate), Victoria Ounsworth (Associate, Employment), James Burgess (Consultant, Real Estate) and Dan Barnhouse (Legal Director, Banking)
