Franchise specialist solicitors Owen White advise Ecocleen on £2.5 million acquisition

The successful takeover will enable the company to increase its presence within key sectors – most notably education and motor retail

Owen White recently acted as legal advisors to franchisor Ecocleen Services Ltd, in their purchase of family-owned, Henley-based, Regency Cleaning Services in a deal worth up to £2.5 million. 

Keep up to date with the latest What Franchise News sent straight to your inbox. Sign up here.

Te firm is widely regarded as one of the leading franchise firms in the UK, working with franchisors, franchisees and franchise action groups alike. Members of the Owen White corporate and commercial team assisted Ecocleen in negotiating and documenting the acquisition, working alongside accountants James Cowper Kreston’s corporate finance team, who provided transaction support to Ecocleen and their financier HSBC.

Andrew Hayward, head of Owen White’s corporate and commercial team said: “This was a particularly rewarding transaction to work on with our longstanding franchise client Ecocleen Services Ltd. As is often the case, there were one or two wrinkles that needed ironing out along the way. The pragmatism and commerciality of our client and their financial advisors was enormously helpful, enabling us to achieve a very satisfactory result all round.”

Ecocleen has more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementing tailored commercial cleaning solutions. The franchise handles contracts of all sizes on behalf of over 600 customers, servicing both single and multi-site operations on a local, regional and national basis. By taking advantage of specialist cleaning expertise across a diverse mix of industry sectors, Ecocleen can adapt its offering to meet individual requirements and expectations.

Jean-Henri Beukes, managing director of Ecocleen said: “Regency Cleaning Services is a likeminded and profitable business that will immediately strengthen a number of existing franchisees while helping us create new franchise areas. This is the first of a number of strategic acquisitions we are planning as we look to accelerate our growth within the UK. We are seeking further opportunities in London, the South-East, South-West and North-West, which will add value and expertise to our business and existing infrastructure.”

Regency Cleaning Services operates throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, supporting more than 100 clients. The company’s team of 500 staff are responsible for delivering cleaning, waste management, porterage and maintenance services to a variety of private and public sector sites such as schools, nurseries, offices and car showrooms.

Keep up to date with the latest What Franchise News sent straight to your inbox. Sign up here.