Harper Macleod advises Caley Timber on move to Employee Ownership Trust

Law firm Harper Macleod has advised a thriving Highland timber and building supplies business in its move to an Employee Ownership Trust.

A corporate team, led by Chris Kerr and including Peter McLuckie, Ross Thomson and Joanne Finlayson, advised the shareholders of Inverness-based Caley Timber and Building Supplies, in its switch to employee ownership, with the founding shareholder Donald John Morrison taking a step back from day to day business.

Caley Timber and Building Supplies was established by Donald John in 2003, with depots in Inverness and Uist, and is one of the leading suppliers to the building trade in the Highlands and Islands.

The decision was taken to move to employee ownership, rather than an open sale, ensuring continuation of employment for more than 20 loyal colleagues, and service for customers.

Owners Donald John and Jennifer Morrison cited several reasons for choosing the EOT route in favour of a traditional sale and described the process as “seamless”.

He said: “An EOT was a less intrusive option and we did not have to share sensitive information with prospective purchasers, the timing has been controlled to suit the business, and it also avoided the risk of unsettling our staff who may have picked up that the business was for sale.

“We value the relationships we have built with our customers, their loyalty and support are what’s made Caley Timber the very successful business it has become, and an EOT means business simply continues as is. I am confident our customers will notice absolutely no difference at all to the quality of service.”

Chris Kerr said: “Donald John has built a fantastic business in Caley Timber, and it was a real privilege to advise him and his team on the next stage of their journey.

“Increasingly, we are seeing employee ownership trusts as a way to preserve the brand, reputation and customer service for a business, as well as ensuring staff are retained. For many business owners where succession planning could be a challenge, the concept of protecting a legacy for the future is really important.”

Carole Leslie of Ownership Associates helped manage the transition project and assisted with employee communication.

Carole said: “It is evident that Donald has given some serious thought as to how he wants the business he founded almost 20 years ago to continue to benefit the staff who have worked alongside him to make it a success.

“In choosing a third-party sale Donald could arguably have landed a bigger retirement pay-day but his decision to enter into an EOT was based on more altruistic reasoning, and he assessed this route was the best option for rewarding his colleagues and ensuring a seamless continuity for staff and customers alike.”

The idea of the EOT solution was introduced by Donald Forsyth of the firm’s accountants, Saffery Champness.