Rescue deal for RA Roberts

The business and assets of a Sheffield office equipment supplier (RA Roberts) has been bought out of administration by Complete Office Solutions (UK) Ltd in a deal brokered by Wilson Field.

Insolvency practitioners Robert Dymond and Lisa Hogg from Wilson Field were appointed on 18 September to RA Roberts (Office Equipment) Ltd, which has been trading for nearly 100 years and is based on Shepcote Business Park, Sheffield.

We are pleased to be involved in preserving this established Sheffield business which now has a new, positive future in the hands of Complete Office Solutions. Wilson Field sold the established, family-run business and its assets as a going concern to Wakefield-based Complete Office Solutions (UK) Ltd saving all 13 jobs.

Robert Dymond said;

“RA Roberts had a long history and a good reputation and we attracted a host of enquiries from interested parties regarding the sale.

“We are pleased to be involved in preserving this established Sheffield business which now has a new, positive future in the hands of Complete Office Solutions. As well as securing jobs, this has maximised realisations which should result in a better return to creditors than would otherwise have been possible.”

Director Richard Coulson at Complete Office Solutions said;

“RA Roberts has been established as a family business for over 93 years, and the purchase strengthens our base in the South Yorkshire area.

“In addition to the acquisition, we are also enjoying organic growth in and around this key location and are confident this will continue, particularly given the strength of the 13-strong team we have acquired from RA Roberts.”

RA Roberts had suffered a downturn in trading and cash flow problems due to competition from web-based suppliers. This was despite following a proactive diversification strategy, increasing the product range and office showroom improvements.

Complete Office Solutions currently has 10 locations, 6 of which are based in the North of England.

The company specialises in delivering tailored purchasing solutions across 15 different product sectors. These include office interiors and seating, print, stationery, printer consumables, photocopiers and business machines, service and maintenance solutions, IT services, vending, design and marketing services, workspace solutions, racking and storage, gifts and workwear.

Wilson Field worked with valuers and asset management consultants Charterfields on the sale with legal advice from Neil Kelly at MD Law.