Vialex leads on series of deals and hires senior adviser

Vialex has completed a string of deals and announced a key hire as it continues to grow its transaction services division.

The Edinburgh-based practice has advised on the sale of Solid Form Solutions, a contract research company in Penicuik, to Avista Pharma, headquartered in Colorado, USA.

Greig Williamson, who has joined Vialex as legal director from CMS where he was a partner, led on the deal.

Recently appointed Vialex legal director, Andy Lowe, 47, has also just completed two deals involving crop specialist Cefetra, based in Glasgow.

Cefetra, a subsidiary of the German company BayWa, has acquired speciality trader Premium Crops, which operates from Winchester. Cefetra is one of the UK’s premier agricultural businesses, trading over four million tonnes annually.

Andy Lowe also acted for Cefetra in the purchase of the forward book of grain trader Dalmark in Peterborough.

The deals will bulk up the revenue stream of Cefetra, which operates from Glasgow’s King George V Dock.

Mr Lowe said: “It was great to work with Andrew Mackay and his colleagues in Rotterdam, Glasgow and Munich and to continue to support Cefetra’s expansion.”

The practice also acted as lead sell-side legal adviser in the sale of Endura, the Livingston-based cyclewear business, to Pentland Brands, the owner of brands such as Berghaus, Speedo and Canterbury, which was announced this week.

Greig Williamson, 49, began his career with criminal lawyers Beltrami in Glasgow before moving to Dundas & Wilson in 1999.

He joined Vialex as a consultant last July and led on L Catterton’s acquisition of a stake in the Edinburgh brewing company Innis & Gunn. He also acted for the management of Fishers Laundry in its sale to K-Bro Linen of Canada.

Commenting on Mr Williamson’s appointment, Keith Anderson, chief executive, said: “Greig is a well-known and hugely respected adviser whose significant experience and deal nous will be invaluable as we continue to grow the transaction services team throughout the UK.”