Henley-on-Thames: HMT LLP advises on the disposal of Friarwood

HMT LLP, led by partner Ian Barton and tax director Holly Bedford, has advised the shareholders of Friarwood on its business and assets disposal to a private Canadian buyer.

Established in '67 by the late Peter Bowen, Friarwood established itself at the forefront of the fine wine market in the '70s and '80s, sourcing directly from the great Bordeaux houses, and has become recognised as one of the most dynamic independent wine merchants in the UK.

HMT provided corporate finance advice to Friarwood’s shareholders and director and assisted them through the probate and sale of the business.

Isabelle Bowen commented: “My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 47-year journey of starting, building and developing the Friarwood brand, but the time is now right to pass on the baton. I am very grateful for the guidance, skill and leadership Ian has brought to this transaction which has enabled us to achieve the families’ objectives in a timely manner.”

Barton commented: “Peter and Isabelle Bowen established and developed Friarwood as a business that in 1974 broke the mould of sourcing fine Bordeaux directly from the elite chateaux and grew the business both as a Bordeaux specialist but also developing new producers over 47 years.

"They built an enviable on-trade clientele as well as becoming a destination vintner from their Parsons Green retail shop. Following Peter’s passing last year, we are pleased to have helped Isabelle achieve her aim of transitioning the business and its fine wine stocks to new owners for them to continue the Friarwood tradition.”