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other sectors: retail

We know the importance of understanding how the law applies to retail operations. The skills required are broad and varied and include: direct selling, health and safety, out-sourcing, brand protection, product liability, regulatory issues and mergers and acquisitions (to name but a few). In this context clients require commercial advice - lawyers who know how the law applies to a client's business.

Our clients in the retail sector include:

• Allande sarl
• Amway
• Avon Cosmetics
• Bodum
• IM Properties
• Jumper
• Lyle & Scott
• Mamas & Papas
• Npower
• Royal Worcester and Spode
• Sock Shop
• Star Newsagents
• Viyella

Some notable work includes acting on or advising:

• Bodum: undertaking an anti-counterfeiting programme in respect of infringing products
• Harris Watson Holdings plc: in respect of the acquisitions of:
  • Jumpers
  • Lyle & Scott
  • Sock Shop
  • Sunderland of Scotland
  • Viyella
• Mamas & Papas in respect of:
  • IP and EU Competition Laws in relation to parallel imports
  • health and Safety issues
  • undertaking a product liability review
• Royal Worcester and Spode: brand protection
• IM Properties plc in respect of the acquisitions of the following shopping centres:
  • Nicholson’s Shopping Centre in Maidenhead for £40,600,000
  • Marlowes Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead was subsequently sold in 2004 for £68,500,000
  • Wolsey Place Shopping Centre in Woking for £80,000,000

Our retail team includes experts across a broad range of disciplines, including 5 partners and 4 associates. Key contacts are: Richard Wrigley, partner and head of retail team, corporate/M&A; Andrew Adams, partner, dispute resolution; Helen Driscoll, partner, intellectual property; Smita Jamdar, partner, education and Nick Mallett, partner, commerce.

Other information:

Martineau Johnson is also an Associate Member of the Direct Selling Association and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group.