Freeths advises automotive charity on strategic multi-site disposal

Leading law firm Freeths has advised Ben-Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) on its strategic disposal of three care home and retirement village sites.

Founded in 1905, Ben is a UK-based charity that supports people and their family dependents who work, or have previously worked, in the UK automotive industry. The charity offers a range of services including mental and physical health support, wellbeing programs, crisis support and residential care. Ben also supports individuals later in life.

A leading legal adviser in the health and social care sector, Freeths advised Ben on the disposal of three sites – Lynwood Care Centre and Village in Ascot, which was sold to Gold Care Homes, Town Thorns Care Home in Easenhall, Rugby, which was sold to Capital Care Group, and Birch Hill Care Home in Norham, Northumberland, which was sold to Lenore Care Group.

The care and village services have been an integral and valued part of Ben for over 70 years, but these deals will now enable Ben to become a single-focused charity fully committed to the health and wellbeing of those in the automotive industry.

Leading the Freeths team on this transaction were Partners and Joint Heads of Care Phil Baigent and Thomas Golding. The wider advisory team at Freeths consisted of Senior Associates Raman Virk and Robbie Kenney, Associate Thomas Robinson and Managing Associate Nathan Greaves.

Commenting on the deal, Phil Baigent said: “We are delighted to have advised Ben on these milestone transactions, helping the charity to deliver on its strategic commitment made in 2023 to sharpen its focus on delivering health and wellbeing support to the automotive community. We’re looking forward to seeing Ben thrive following this strategic realignment, and delivering on its mission to make the greatest difference within the automotive industry.”