Hansford Bell are excited to announce the news that we have recently undertaken a management buyout with five new shareholders being brought into the business.
Going forwards there will be six members of the Board of Hansford Bell. Chris Palmer (Managing Director), Becky Adams, Ross Biddiss, Emma Jones, Janine Palmer and Gemma Grice.

Hansford Bell, an established firm with 15 members of staff and a 20 year history, is modernising its board with the five new members buying into the business. The two founding directors have stepped down, with one retiring and the second continuing to work on a consultancy basis.

The management buyout, which was completed with the support and advice provided by GA Solicitors, brings in a young and dynamic team who are looking forward to seeing the business expand and continue to grow its already substantial client base.
The team is led by majority shareholder, Chris Palmer, who has been with the firm since 2012. Chris was also the firm’s managing director for two years.

Commenting on the buyout, majority shareholder Chris Palmer, said: “I have worked alongside founding directors Steve and Nikki Marker for nearly a decade. They have built a sound business and, with a new and motivated team in place, we hope to build on this success and grow the business and expand our reach. We will not however, lose the core values which are in place. We will continue to provide a bespoke service to our clients with the highest levels of client care. With his decades of experience, we are also delighted that Steve will continue to work alongside the team on a consultancy basis.

“This was a significant investment and a complex matter. The commercial team at GA Solicitors proved invaluable from start to finish. James and Serena guided us through the process and were on call whenever they were needed. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

James Peterson, partner and the company commercial solicitor who advised on the acquisition, added: “Hansford Bell is an established business with a loyal and growing customer base. We were delighted to aid Chris and the other new shareholders on the purchase and to guide them through the various stages. There were three parts to the business which meant three acquisitions in one from a legal perspective. With strict timescales in place we worked hard to meet the desired deadline and keep all parties happy.

“It was a successful completion, helped by the friendly and supportive relationship between the original directors and the new shareholders coming to the fore. We wish them the best of luck in taking the Hansford Bell name forward.”

Caption from left to right: Janine Palmer, Gemma Grice, James Peterson (GA Solicitors), Chris Palmer, Ross Biddiss, Emma Jones, Becky Adams.