Business acquisitions and disposals in and surrounding the housing sector

Business growth and income generation are part of the modern world for housing associations

However, we recognise that commercial acquisitions and disposals are still outside the norm for many, who may not be familiar with the processes and risks involved. We work alongside boards and executive teams to make sure they are confident and comfortable with the deal being brokered, and with the consequences of their decisions.We have acted for housing associations when they have been acquiring businesses and disposing of parts of their organisation. These

We have acted for housing associations when they have been acquiring organisations and disposing of parts of their organisation. These include:

• building companies, training and development agencies;
• leisure service providers;
• social enterprises;
• care providers;
• telecare companies;
• electrical and gas servicing contractors; and
• other commercial businesses. 

How we help housing associations acquire and dispose of organisations

We provide strategic advice on business acquisition and disposal strategies. This encompasses how and where to situate commercial and diversified business activities within groups, as well as the acquisition or disposal process - from bid assessment through to due diligence. We can manage the drafting and negotiating of sale and purchase agreements and associated documents, including commercial terms, funding, staff and pension arrangements, lease and property arrangements, and procurement. 

Our team includes corporate transactional lawyers who have trained with some of the largest national and international law firms. The breadth of our teams experienced is significant; they have a vast commercial expertise, as well as the experience of negotiating acquisitions and disposals across the private sector. We bring this acumen to bear alongside our deep and longstanding expertise in advising housing associations, charities and not-for-profit businesses, to achieve the best results for our clients.

If you are about to undertake a business acquisition or disposal or simply would appreciate some legal advice during the decision-making process, please contact us. We’d be happy to talk to you and support you through your organisational change.

Provisions within the Housing and Planning Act that remove the need for housing associations (“HAs”) to obtain consent from the Regulator to dispose of social housing (as well as to merge or enter new group structures) come into force on 6 April.

Such freedoms will allow HAs greater flexibility over how they use their assets and, potentially, how they structure their businesses. Our expert panel gathered to discuss the possible opportunities the deregulatory measures offer, together with the likely hurdles. Read the outcome of their discussion here.