Freeths advises RQA Europe on transition to Employee Ownership Trust

Leading law firm Freeths has advised RQA Europe Ltd on its move to become an employee-owned company.

Founded in 1997, RQA Europe is a specialist management consultancy group focused on product risk and product-related crisis management, particularly within the food, consumer goods and insurance sectors.

The company has successfully completed its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a significant milestone in its journey. This move will enable eligible employees to collectively own the business through an indirect shareholding model, fostering long-term engagement and shared success.

Leading the Freeths team on this transaction was Corporate Partner Malin Svanberg Larsson and Corporate Associate James Allen. They were supported by Tax Managing Associate Alex Angelides.

Commenting on the transaction, Malin Svanberg Larsson said: “We’re delighted to have supported RQA Europe on this important step. Freeths has a well-established track record in this area, with a dedicated team that understands the nuances of employee ownership structures and delivers commercially focused, pragmatic advice. It’s been a pleasure working with Vince and the team to help bring this vision to life.”

Vince Shiers, Managing Director of RQA Europe, added: “Thanks so much Malin. We were unsure how the EOT process would work, but having all the legal expertise under one roof at Freeths with you at the head, made it all very clear and efficient for us. The seamless interaction with you and Symmetry also made the process as good as we could imagine.”