Leading national law firm Mills Oakley advised the sellers on all aspects of the transaction, which brings together a globally recognised gourmet brand with a strategic operator, while maintaining strong local leadership and continuity.

The Mills Oakley deal team was led by Perth-based corporate advisory partner Andrew Crean, with invaluable support from lawyer Haydn Sharp, and specialist assistance across other areas of the firm including Daniel White and Bryn de Bes (Employment), Patrick Thaung and Nathaniel Price (Property), Craig Gibson (Private Advisory) and Josh Leith (Banking & Finance).

Commenting on the transaction, Andrew Crean said:

“The sale of the Cottesloe Boatshed Market was a wonderful transaction to be part of. It was an absolute pleasure working with the sellers, Brett Cornwall and the Moore Australia team, and Mark Hannah and the ANZ – Emerging Corporate banking team on the capital restructure and refinancing of the Boatshed Group, including the transition to a new ownership structure let by Mark Somic and Joe Stevens, and to achieve a fantastic result for all parties involved.

Both Mark and Joe share a strong commitment to quality fresh food retailing and align well with the values that have shaped Boatshed Market.

Joe is also the CEO of Little Farms Group, an all-natural premium grocery and restaurant group in Singapore. Little Farms Group sources a significant portion of its products from Australia, including meat, produce and dairy from Western Australia, making this a strong strategic fit.

I look forward to seeing the continued growth and next steps for such an iconic business, including the potential synergies between the Boatshed Group and Little Farms Group that may be looked at going forward.”

Squire Patton Boggs acted as legal advisor to Little Farms Group, and RSM Australia acted as financial and accounting advisors to Little Farms Group.