International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Müller UK & Ireland on its sale of Milk & More, an online artisan grocery and doorstep delivery service, to dairy product supplier Freshways Group.

Müller acquired Milk & More in 2016 when it invested in Dairy Crest’s wider liquid milk processing and distribution operation. Since this initial acquisition, Müller has broadened Milk & More's product offering, including a range of sustainability-focused products, and deployed a large fleet of electric vehicles for delivery.

Müller's sale of Milk & More comes after a strategic review of the business, with Müller continuing to operate as a B2B supplier of fresh milk, yoghurt and other dairy products.

The Osborne Clarke team advising on this transaction was led by partners Edward Persse (Corporate), Jo Footitt (Real Estate), Ed Barratt (Commercial), Mat Oliver (Tax) and Anna Elliott (Human Capital), with senior associate John Jarvis and associates Rachel Barbour and Mary Hughes (all Corporate).

Patrick Müller, CEO of Milk & More, said: “It was impressive to work with the Osborne Clarke team, led by their Corporate Partner Ed Persse. Their professionalism, accuracy and speed were truly outstanding. Thanks a lot for bringing the deal over the line before Christmas.” 

Edward Persse, Partner at Osborne Clarke says: "I am immensely proud of the Osborne Clarke retail and consumer team to have supported Müller Group on this unique transaction. We wish all of the Milk & More stakeholders, and particularly our milk men and women, every success with this iconic business that is so dear to many of us. This transaction is illustrative of the calibre of retail and consumer sector M&A we are instructed on.  Many more to come in the coming months and 2024. Watch this space!".

Osborne Clarke is considered a go-to firm for many companies in the retail sector, acting for house-hold name retailers and in-demand brands while also working with fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The international firm advises at every stage of company development and on everything from eCommerce, payments and brand, right through to employee and property issues, fulfilment, franchises and corporate governance and regulation across multiple jurisdictions.

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