Hill Dickinson advises BGF on substantial investment in Woodall Nicholson

Hill Dickinson’s corporate team has advised BGF (Business Growth Fund) on substantial investment in Woodall Nicholson, the Westhoughton headquartered manufacturer of specialist vehicles for the funeral, public transport and emergency services markets.

Woodall Nicholson manufactures and sells vehicles under the Coleman Milne, Mellor and Coleman Milne Specialist Vehicles (CMSV) brands, converting vehicles from major OEM’s including Mercedes, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen Audi Group, Fiat and Inveco. The company employs more than 230 people across its factories in Westhoughton, near Bolton, Rochdale and Scarborough. 

The business has successfully launched a number of new products in 2016, including its unique Mercedes based 22 seater low floor bus, Strata, aimed at the stage transit bus operator and community transport markets. The company plans to introduce further new products and double production of vehicles across its Mellor range, which focuses on small buses for local authorities and bus operators.

Woodall Nicholson also plans to use BGF’s funding to support organic growth and the launch of new products in its funeral vehicle and emergency service vehicle divisions.

Jonathan Gillow, Ian Riggs and Harriet Watson from Hill Dickinson’s corporate team advised BGF on the transaction. Commenting on the deal, partner Jonathan Gillow, said: “It has been a pleasure advising BGF on its latest investment, which rounds off a record year for its Manchester-based team of investors. We wish them, along with Woodall Nicholson, the best of luck for the future as they embark on plans for further growth.”