Broadfield Law advises Westcoast Group on Swiss sale and partnership

The sale of the Westcoast Group companies in UK, Ireland and France, involved assets in six further European countries and required EU Commission clearance.

Established in 1983 and headquartered in Reading, Westcoast established itself as HP’s first UK distributor before growing to become one of the UK’s leading IT channel distributors with a turnover of £4.2 billion in 2023.

ALSO Holding AG is a worldwide provider of information and communication technologies. Listed in the SIX Swiss Exchange, ALSO operates across 144 countries with €11 billion in annual revenues.

The sale and strategic partnership will significantly bolster Westcoast’s global reach and will enhance business continuity and growth for both entities.

The Broadfield team was led by Reading Corporate Partner Philip Weaver, supported by Corporate Solicitors Katie Higgs and Gemma L’Esperance and Corporate Legal Director Mireille Dagger.

Employment law advice was provided by Legal Director Laura Binnie, with Commercial Property support from Senior Associate Victoria Moss.

Corporate tax advice was provided by Partner Philip Alfandary and private client tax advice by Senior Associate Sarah Giles.

Philip Weaver said: “This is the largest cross border deal Broadfield has advised on to date, completed within a tightly defined timescale. It marks a significant milestone, with a clear demonstration of the expertise the firm has to advise on complex international corporate transactions.

“The firm across its offices in Reading, Cambridge, Southampton and London has a strong client following in the technology sectors, with businesses recognising our hands-on approach and the strength of the teams we bring.”

Emily Garvey, Chief Legal Officer, Westcoast said: “This is an alliance of two highly successful businesses sharing the same mindset of growth and improvement. The continuity of the business, which is paramount for vendors, customers and our team, is secured with this move.”