Bath-headquartered regional law firm RWK Goodman has advised the shareholders of a specialist UK chemical company on its acquisition by the market’s global leader.
The RWK Goodman team worked with Monarch Group, a leading distributor of commodity and agricultural chemicals, on the sale to German-based international player Brenntag.
Kent-headquartered Monarch, which was established in 1989, is known for its in-house liquid and powder blending facilities in 2023. The firm had sales of £35.1m last year.
The acquisition, which also includes Monarch’s key site in Scotland, significantly expands Brenntag’s last mile service capabilities in the UK.
Brenntag, which supplies chemical to the coatings, food, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, personal care and water treatment industries, employs more than 17,500 people across 600 sites in 72 countries. Its 10 UK bases include one at Avonmouth.
RWK Goodman worked alongside the corporate finance and tax teams at London-based accountancy firm Barnes Roffe on the deal, financial details of which have not been disclosed. 
The RWK Goodman transaction team was led by corporate partner James Worrall and associate Freya Still, with support from corporate lawyers Alicia Chown, Barnaby Baker and Carl Selby.
Also involved were employment specialists Tim Gofton and Kirsty Swan and real estate lawyer Gemma Hart.
James Worrall said: “We are thrilled to have supported the shareholders of Monarch, alongside the team at Barnes Roffe, in this significant transaction.
“This acquisition by Brenntag not only marks a new chapter for Monarch but also strengthens Brenntag’s footprint in the UK.
“Congratulations to all parties involved, and we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success under Brenntag’s stewardship.”
Freya Still added: “It was a pleasure working with the shareholders of Monarch, as well as the Barnes Roffe team, to see the sale to a successful conclusion. 
“Congratulations to the selling shareholders and all others involved in the transaction, which will allow Monarch to expand and diversify its customer offering and provide enhanced scaling capabilities.”
Barnes Roffe corporate finance director Dan Wright said James and the RWK Goodman team’s commercial approach helped make the sale process as seamless as it could be.
“When challenges arose, they were always on hand to provide their expert advice and they were fantastic to work with,” he added.
Monarch managing director Jon Hill also praised the RWK Goodman team for their support and guidance throughout the transaction.
“We clearly had a choice to make when selecting a team of solicitors to handle this transaction for us and we’re happy to say that we made the correct decision.
“The whole team has been brilliant throughout the transaction and their hard work in guiding us through the sale process has been very much appreciated.”
Brenntag was advised by international law firm Addleshaw Goddard.
RWK Goodman was formed two years ago through the merger of Royds Withy King and London practice Goodman Derrick.
The firm also has offices in Bristol, London, Manchester, Swindon, Oxford, Marlborough and Thame.
