Natalie Drought

Recent Work

• Lead Corporate adviser to Travis Perkins Plc on its acquisition of the Staircraft Group
• Freeths’ lead Corporate adviser to pub group RedCat (backed by Oaktree Capital Management), heading up ten corporate acquisitions in the second half of 2021 (eight share purchases and two portfolio asset purchases).
• Lead Corporate adviser to Oakman Inns and Restaurants Limited on its acquisition of the Seafood Pub Company estate out of administration.
• Advising Catalyst Capital LLP on its investment into its first UK battery storage scheme.
• Advising access platforms provider AFI on a broad range matters since 2006, including the acquisition of various subsidiary undertakings, managements buy-outs and buy-ins, and debt and equity investments.

With the benefit of over seventeen years’ experience advising clients in the Drinks, Hospitality and Leisure sector, Natalie is able to provide practical, sector-tailored advice on corporate and commercial matters.

Acting for clients buying and selling companies and businesses in the Drinks, Hospitality and Leisure sector is Natalie’s principal area of expertise, but she also has extensive experience advising on sector-specific commercial agreements. These include drinks supply agreements, product collaboration agreements, technical services agreements (including logistics), and distribution agreements.

Recent Work

• Lead advisor to the sellers on the sale of The Peach Pub Company group to Revolution Bars group.
• Lead advisor to The Big Table Group Limited (the operator of a group of restaurant brands including Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge) on its share acquisition of the Banana Tree Restaurants business.
• Freeths’ lead Corporate adviser to RedCat Pub Group, heading up ten corporate acquisitions in the second half of 2021 (eight share purchases and two portfolio asset purchases).
• Lead Corporate adviser to Oakman Inns and Restaurants Limited on its acquisition of the Seafood Pub Company estate out of administration.
• Supporting, as co-counsel, Carlsberg Breweries A/S on its joint venture with Marston’s plc to form a new beer company in the UK, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.
• Advising Wells & Co (then Charles Wells) on the sale of its beer and brewing business to Marston’s, including a portfolio of more than 30 beers and UK distribution rights for beers brewed under licence.
• Lead Corporate adviser to Brunning & Price (pubs arm of The Restaurant Group Plc) on its share acquisitions of Ribble Valley Inns Limited and Food & Fuel Limited.
• Advising brewers, pub companies and late night entertainment venue operators on various commercial matters, including joint venture agreements, distribution agreements and supply agreements.