A team of experts from the international law firm Gowling WLG has advised Halfords Autocentres Limited (Halfords Autocentres), a subsidiary of Halfords Group plc, the UK's leading provider of motoring and cycling products and services on its acquisition of Universal Tyre and Autocentres (Universal).

Universal specialises in the supply and fit of tyres for a wide range of vehicles, from cars to commercial and agricultural vehicles, as well as providing general car maintenance and repairs such as brakes, servicing and MOT. The Kent-based company has 20 garages and 89 commercial vans operating throughout the South East and East of England.

Gowling WLG's team advising on the deal was led by corporate partner Ragi Singh, supported by principal associate Max Moore and real estate director Anna Colley.

Tim O'Gorman, Halfords Group plc general counsel and company secretary, said: "Gowling WLG was a natural choice for this transaction given their knowledge of the sector, specialist property M&A team and level of resource they were able to call upon to ensure we completed the transaction as quickly and efficiently as possible. The business and I valued the fact that they genuinely advised us – across a broad range of, sometimes complex, issues - and demonstrated a balanced attitude to risk within the context of us being a listed company. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Ragi and the Gowling WLG team again."

Along side Gowling WLG, KPMG provided financial advice to Halfords Autocentres.