Gareth O’Hara, Senior Partner and Helen Smart, Associate at The Wilkes Partnership have advised on the sale of animal fencing products provider, Tornado Group Ltd (“Tornado”).

Tornado is the UK’s leading provider of premium branded animal fencing products and has been going from strength to strength since being founded in 1969. Wilkes has been working alongside the company’s Managing Director Kenny Campbell, ever since he bought the majority stake in 2005.

Commenting on the sale, Gareth O’Hara said: “We are pleased to have acted for the stakeholders at Tornado on its sale to Storskogen. We have been working closely with Kenny for over a decade, so supporting him on this new partnership has been exciting.

“We have seen Tornado Group grow throughout this period under Kenny’s management. The company invests heavily in its loyal and dedicated workforce and so partnering with Storskogen is certainly the next right step for the company, as it will allow Tornado to expand its horizons while preserving the brand and what it stands for.”

The existing management team will remain in the business led by Managing Director Kenny Campbell and supported by Jonathan Miller and Lynn Hall who will remain in their existing senior roles within the company. Tornado will join the business area Industry headed by Fredrik Bergegård.

Tornado is headquartered in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and has a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cumbria. The business employs approximately 100 people and is accredited as an IIP Gold Employer.

Storskogen, an investment company based in Sweden, acquires and manages well-managed and profitable small and medium-sized enterprises within the business areas Industry, Trade and Services in the Nordic countries, DACH and the UK. Tornado is Storskogen’s third acquisition in the UK.

Kenny Campbell, Managing Director comments: “The decision to sell Tornado after 45 years’ involvement was not an easy one but the timing felt right, and I’m delighted with the outcome. I was determined to preserve and grow the Tornado brand and identity. Storskogen are the ideal partners to take the business to the next level.

“Having worked with Gareth at Wilkes since 2005, I knew that all of the legal details would be looked after professionally and without fuss; I am grateful for their input and that of Alantra and Jerroms.”

Tornado was also advised by an Alantra team led by partner Simon Peacock. He was supported by Mike Falzon and Tom Nash.

If you need advice on a corporate transaction or commercial matter, contact Gareth O’Hara on 0121 710 5904 or at [email protected] or Helen Smart on 0121 710 5804 or at [email protected].