August 2005

Essex brick manufacturer WH Collier, established over 140 years ago, has regained its independent status, completing a management buyout (MBO) from the Chelwood Group. Local solicitors Thompson Smith & Puxon, who have offices in Colchester and Clacton, advised the management team on the deal.

WH Collier has manufactured handmade bricks on the same site in Marks Tey near Colchester since 1863 and remained in the Collier family until 1988, when it was sold to Salvesen Brick.

Since then W H Collier has changed hands 3 times until the existing parent group, Wienerberger, of which the Chelwood Group is part, agreed to a management buyout led by its works manager, Maurice Page.

The company plans to concentrate on products more in keeping with the local East Anglian markets and continue to provide a personal service to its customers.

"I have relied heavily on Thomson Smith & Puxon in a sale that had some complicated issues", said Maurice Page, managing director of WH Collier.

Sumaira Choudary from Thompson Smith & Puxon’s commercial law team coordinated the deal and was assisted by Claire Powell. The team is headed by Partner Mary Anne Fedeyko. Wienerberger was advised by Alastair Peet, associate at Wienerberger’s regular advisers, international law firm Eversheds.