December 14, 2016
ACT, which is one of Wales’ leading apprenticeship and skills training providers, was acquired by Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) in October 2016, with Darwin Gray’s Gareth Wedge acting for the shareholders of ACT on all commercial property aspects of the deal. The deal sees Cardiff-based firm ACT becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of fast-expanding CAVC, which is one of the top five colleges in the UK with a turnover of £75m and over 30,000 students.
Managing director of ACT, Andrew Cooksley, who set up the firm in 1988, said:
“When we were going through the acquisition, it was really important to us to provide detailed, accurate and compliant information to the buyer for the legal due diligence within a very strict time scale. Confidentiality was also absolutely key due to the sensitive nature of the transaction. We couldn’t risk any leaks!
“We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism and their understanding of ACT and its shareholders made them the obvious choice.”
Louise Williams, Operations Director, continued:
“As ACT is so diverse, with so many different sites and leases, it was imperative that we used solicitors who understood the complexities of our business, its structure and its shareholders. As we were existing clients of Darwin Gray, it meant we were never late in bringing our information to the table. They worked around us, even during awkward hours, and we felt confident we could always rely on them.
“Gareth was absolutely fantastic. As always, he was consistent in providing a professional and friendly service, keeping us in the loop every step of the way and visiting us in person whenever we needed to see him. He was very good at simplifying complex matters, to ensure that we, as the shareholders, felt comfortable and fully understood everything.”
The company is continuing to trade as ACT and will work in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College to offer enhanced education, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
