WE ADVISE ON MAJOR PROPERTY MERGER

Major independent property firms Fisher German and Vine Property Management are merging. Cooper Parry provided corporate finance, due diligence and tax advice on the deal, which will create a £41m turnover group that will trade under the Fisher German banner from the beginning of 2020.

Leicestershire-headquartered Fisher German have 16 offices across England and, in the space of six years, have grown their turnover from £19m to £35m. They specialise in commercial, rural and residential property, alongside development, utilities and sustainable energy.

Vine Property Management manages 51 million square feet of retail, industrial and office property, and assets totalling £2.7bn. This announcement comes as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary. As part of the deal, Vine’s co-founder, James Rigby, will join Fisher German as a partner. In addition, Vine’s ten offices and all its 100 staff will be retained.

Andrew Bridge, Managing Partner of Fisher German, said:

“We have been looking to grow Fisher German and to further expand our presence in the commercial sector, and Vine Property Management will not only bring a proven track record and new disciplines to expand our current commercial offering but will also take us into new geographical areas allowing for further growth”.

James Rigby, Co-Founder of Vine, said:

“We have watched the impressive sustained growth of Fisher German over recent years and believe by coming together we will equal more than the sum of our parts.

The merger will mean we can offer a whole new range of services to existing clients of both companies, and also attract fresh clients with an expanded expertise in new areas.

Cooper Parry Corporate Finance are very excited to have found a perfect partner both in terms of the services we offer, but also the common approach in the way we work with, and for, clients”.

Andy Parker, Head of Cooper Parry Corporate Finance, added:

“This is a great deal for both Fisher German and Vine providing huge growth opportunities and a strong cultural fit which is critical in partnerships.  With the strong management team in both businesses, I am convinced that the merged entity will go from strength to strength”

This deal is one in a flurry of four business services deals Cooper Parry Corporate Finance have led to successful completion in the last few weeks and serves to reinforce our strong credentials in the sector.