Customer Wendy Moore is such a big fan of Belper-based Fresh Basil, which is listed by The Independent as one of the UK's top 50 delicatessens and described as 'the antithesis of some of the more chi-chi delis', has bought out two of three shareholders as they retire from the owner managed business.
The Derby office of law firm Nelsons was instructed by Wendy to act for the buyer, Fresh Basil Limited on the purchase of the business and assets of the Deli and Eatery on Strutt Street from Roma Bothamley and Tim Dakin, who first opened the shop six years ago.
On completion of the deal, Wendy and Sam Jackson, Fresh Basil’s third original partner, became joint shareholders in the new limited company, employing 20 staff.
Commenting on the deal, Wendy says: “I was brought up in the food industry. As a big food lover and a fan of fresh, local home-grown produce, I’ve also been a customer in the shop for many years so know it’s a thriving and popular business. When I saw the opportunity to take it over with Sam, I jumped at it and am looking forward to us working together to give Fresh Basil’s clientele the unique experience and quality produce they have come to love.”
“Wendy’s enthusiasm and ideas for developing Fresh Basil is invigorating. It’s given the shop a new lease of life and I am delighted to be working with her on growing the business going forward,” says Sam, a 30-year old Belper man.
Nelsons’ solicitor Davinder Jaspal advised on the transaction, with Associate James Woodward handling property matters. Davinder comments: “I was instructed by Wendy in agreeing the terms of the acquisition, negotiating the sale and purchase agreement and bringing the deal to completion, working alongside James who dealt with the lease work on the business premises.
“In a business of this nature, the devil is in the detail and we worked hard to ensure that the acquisition was completed in a thorough and timely manner, appropriate to our clients' needs. We wish Wendy and Sam every success in this thriving business.”
Housed in a unique and character-filled former garage for horse-drawn fire engines, Fresh Basil draws customers from across the county. It stocks a wide range of produce, both from local Derbyshire suppliers and from further afield. Offering cooked meats, pates, pies, fresh salads, cakes and marinated olives, the Deli is also renowned for both its artisan cheese counter with a hand-picked selection of over 60 varieties and its bespoke hampers.
In addition, customers can enjoy the company’s wares and deli tapas at a sit-in cafe area split over the ground floor and mezzanine level above, or by using its take-away and catering services.
