Law firm advises production company on EOT move

Law firm Geldards has advised the production company behind the popular TV show ‘A Place in the Sun’ on becoming employee owned.

The firm advised Freeform Productions on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trusts.

Freeform Productions is one of the UK’s most successful production companies, and this year celebrates 25 years of A Place in the Sun on Channel Four.

Founders Antoine Palmer and Ann Lavelle have now decided to pass the baton of ownership to staff, enabling them to share in the hard-won success of the business.

Partner Debra Martin led the deal advising on all legal aspects of the transaction supported by tax partner Andrew Evans.

She said: “It was a pleasure to work closely with Antoine and Ann and the wider team on the transition of Freeform Productions to an Employee Ownership Trust.

“More and more businesses are realising the benefits to be found in becoming employee owned, making employees feel invested in the business and safeguarding the company heritage and legacy.”