Taylor Wessing gives Chapman Freeborn deal wings

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for entrepreneurs Chris Chapman and Carol Norman on the sale of a substantial interest in the leading air charter and aviation support group of international companies, Chapman Freeborn. In a recently completed deal, Chris Chapman and Carol Norman sold an interest in the group to a new holding company controlled by the established management team within Chapman Freeborn: Russi Batliwala, Shahe Ouzounian and finance director Peter Joarder.  Whilst founder Chris Chapman will maintain an active interest in Chapman Freeborn, he has made the decision to reduce his majority stake in order to provide the existing management team with an opportunity to drive the business forward.

Senior partner Martin Winter led the Taylor Wessing team, which also included private equity associates Carlos Gil Rivas and Edward Hooper, tax associate Robert Young and banking partner Martin Yells.

Chapman Freeborn, founded in 1973 by Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn, is the global leader in aircraft chartering with 32 offices around the world. The company features in the latest Sunday Times Top Track 250 list and recently won Air Cargo Week’ Air Cargo Broker of Year Award for the third year running. Its expertise includes organising air bridges to supply goods for disaster relief, transporting major rock bands and their equipment on global tours, as well as meeting the air transport needs of many high net worth individuals.

Taylor Wessing senior partner Martin Winter comments:

“We are delighted to have acted for Chris and Carol on this deal, helping to make arrangements for the succession and continuity of this successful business and giving the founders the opportunity to benefit from their achievements over the years.

“The success of this deal goes to show that despite challenging economic conditions, with a bit of determination and innovation, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to realise value from quality businesses.”

Chris Chapman, who was recently given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Air Cargo News, said: 

“I was delighted with the support that Carol and I had had from Martin, Carlos and Ed. For us it was an unknown world and the team made sure we understood every step we took. Their thoroughness and attention to detail was superb.”


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Notes to editors

For more information or to speak to Martin Winter or Carlos Gil Rivas, please contact Dillon Mann or Maria Jennings at Spada:

Tel:      +44 (0)20 7269 1430
Email:   dillonmann@spada.co.uk

Taylor Wessing LLP is a leading law firm providing support for commercial organisations doing business in Europe, the Middle East and China.

www.taylorwessing.com