Freeths advises Oakford on sale to Centralis

9th August 2024

National law firm Freeths has advised the shareholders of Oakford Advisors on its sale to Luxembourg-based Centralis.

Headquartered in Oxford, Oakford is an outsourced business services company, specialising in providing back-office services to start-up and existing businesses operating within the financial services industry. It has a particular focus on SME businesses in the investment management sector.

Centralis is a market-leading global provider of alternative investments and corporate services. This deal will allow the business to bolster the breadth of its clientele and services internationally as well as continue to develop its preexisting quality service approach.

Partner and Head of Corporate, Leon Arnold led the Freeths team alongside Associate Charlotte Collard. They were supported by Partners Claire Boyce and Stephen Jones, Managing Associate Nur Alzubeydi and Trainee Solicitors Dean Kansu, Freya Squizzoni and Dhruv Shah. James Cowper Kreston acted as corporate finance advisors for Oakford.

Commenting on the deal, Leon said:

“It’s been a pleasure to advise the shareholders of Oakford on its sale to Centralis. This transaction with Oakford will be pivotal in helping to secure further international growth for Centralis since the company launched in 2017. The deal reflects Freeths’ full-service capabilities and sector strength.”

Oakford’s Managing Director Jeremy Whetter said:

“We are extremely excited to be joining the Centralis Group, and I am incredibly proud of what the Oakford team has achieved in the last 7 years.  We are very grateful to Leon, Charlotte and all the Freeths team, for their professionalism and focus in getting the transition executed. We have received excellent advice and service along the way, and have been very appreciative of their support.”