Sonio Singh DBF

PFI Group Purchase Kesslers

Davis Blank Furniss has acted for long-standing client PFI Group on its purchase of the business of London-based retail display specialist Kesslers International Ltd out of administration. PFI Group which is based in Trafford Park, bought Kesslers International as a going concern for an undisclosed sum.

PFI Group acquired the business from administrators Michael Lennon and Philip Dakin, both of corporate recovery/ business services group Kroll which was handling the administration.

Kesslers began trading in 1888 and is the UK’s oldest point-of-purchase designer and manufacturer. It went into administration in December 2022. Its customers included a number of UK and international retailers.

The PFI Group is a powerhouse within the signage, print and visual communication industries, providing comprehensive services on both local and global scales.  The PFI Group now comprising 15 businesses: PFI Signs, GB Sign Solutions, Sign Plus, Lofthus Signs, In2 Signs & Graphics, Shades Graphics, Mardan Products, Futurama Group, Insignia Signs, Creative Display, SignMaster, Jasmine, Cestrian and Kesslers and Proportion London.

business deal

The corporate team at Davis Blank Furniss, which was led by Sonio Singh, advised The PFI Group on all elements of the transaction. The team also included corporate solicitor Lauren Sever, Shiva Shadi – partner – who advised on employment matters; and Rhiannon Turner who worked on the property aspects.

Darren McMurray, PFI Group CEO said: “The Kesslers and Proportion London businesses fit well within the PFI Group’s stable of signage, branding and visual communication companies, further strengthens and diversifies our uniquely comprehensive client solutions offering and represents another significant milestone in the group’s buy and build strategy.”

Sonio Singh added: “We were delighted to advise The PFI Group on this deal and thrilled with the outcome, particularly given it saves a well-regarded brand and safeguards the employment of a significant workforce.”

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