Trethowans advises in sale of Grassby & Sons to Lighthouse Funerals
Trethowans, a leading law firm in the central south of England, is pleased to announce its role in advising brothers Peter and David Grassby and David’s son Nick Grassby in the sale of sixth-generation family funeral directors Grassby & Sons to Lighthouse Funerals, an investment vehicle of fund manager Downing.
The business was originally established as a stonemason in Dorchester in 1861 and has since branched out and grown to operate eight funeral directors across Dorset and Devon.
Peter will continue to lead the business alongside incoming Lighthouse Funerals CEO Steven Wilton, with Nick also taking a senior role in the new group.
Senior Associate in the corporate team Jonathan Sherman led the transaction alongside Nick Gent (corporate) and Gerta Xoxi (corporate), Bethanie Watson (commercial property) and Kira Mountain (employment).
Jonathan Sherman said: “We are pleased to have advised Peter, David and Nick in the sale of Grassby & Sons and to have played a part in ensuring a successful sixth-generational family business remains in safe hands under the new ownership of Lighthouse Funerals. The transaction required the expertise across a number of the teams at Trethowans and a collaborative approach between us, the Grassby family and the team at PKF Francis Clark to ensure the transaction was successfully delivered and against a tight timeframe”.
Nick Grassby said: “All the staff at Trethowans were efficient, professional and had the required knowledge to take us through what was a very complex transaction. I would not hesitate in recommending them”.
Trethowans worked closely alongside a lead advisory and tax team from PKF Francis Clark comprised of Paul Stout, Chris Potts, Ashley Barton, Damian Lannon and Michelle Cordy.