A cross-firm team from Gowling WLG has advised Weetabix Food Company, the UK's number one breakfast brand, on its acquisition of Lacka Foods Ltd.

Lacka Foods Ltd are owners and manufacturers of ŰFIT, the UK's number one ready-to-drink high-protein shake brand. The all-cash deal, backed by Post Holdings, unites two of the UK's market leading food and drink businesses and unlocks growth opportunities for Lacka Foods both in the UK and in international markets.

The two firms will operate separately, with the Lacka Foods management team continuing to run the business and drive growth in the fast growing high-protein RTD market.

Gowling WLG's advisory team was led by corporate partner Ragi Singh, supported by Rachel Mobberley, Annabel Brown, Alex Lakeland-Reed (all corporate), Elizabeth Emmerson (tax), Sean Adams (commercial litigation), Zoe Pearman (IP), David Lowe, Amrit Rai (both commercial) Ben Sasson and Ben Stansfield (both planning).

Helen Wilson, head of legal at Weetabix, said: "I am delighted with the advice and support given to Weetabix Limited on our first acquisition since 2017. Ragi and Rachel and the team were brilliant, commercial and pacey in enabling us to complete the deal within a challenging time frame. They worked tirelessly to get the deal over the line, giving up precious family time to help us achieve our objective of completing the deal within the tax year. Gowling WLG provide a seamless extension of our in house legal team."

Gowling WLG is recognised by Bloomberg as one of the most active M&A legal advisers in the world. In Q1 in 2022 Gowling WLG was credited for advising on 59 global deals, for a ranking of 11# worldwide and 3# in the UK.