Olswang joins Alpha Flight Group with LSG Sky Chefs

Olswang LLP has advised Alpha Flight Group Limited on its proposed joint venture with German based LSG/Sky Chefs which will create a powerful combined in-flight catering business in the UK. 　

The proposed scope of the joint venture, in which Alpha and LSG will be equal partners, will include all existing Alpha and LSG Sky Chefs airline catering, airline retail and ancillary services in the UK, with the exception of Alpha's dedicated British Airways operation at London- Gatwick. The joint venture business will be carried on by a new English company with anticipated combined revenues of circa 330 million GBP, in which Alpha Flight Group will hold 50% of the ordinary shares and LSG/Sky Chefs will hold the other 50% of the ordinary shares.

The combined business is expected to commence trading on 1 October 2012.

CEO of Alpha Flight Group Lionel Wilton said, "This is a strategically important transaction for Alpha and the choice of advisers was crucial. When Autogrill sold Alpha to dnata in 2010, we were impressed by the Olswang team acting for dnata and are delighted to have been able to have David and Nick as such an integral part of the transaction team".

David Roberts, Olswang's Head of Leisure and the lead corporate partner on the deal said: "This was a complex deal involving the merger of two large and complicated businesses. It was a great challenge for the Olswang team and we hope that the creation of this exciting joint venture will secure a UK foothold for both businesses going forward."

David led the Olswang team together with Nick Crosbie. They were assisted by Yasmine Meeajun and trainee Adam Wright in corporate, Graham Chase and Steve Smith in relation to taxation and Joel Vertes and Andrew Campbell on intellectual property and pensions matters (respectively).

LSG/Sky Chefs were advised by Ashurst (Nigel Stacey and James Fletcher).

Freshfields advised both parties on antitrust matters.