Jurit advises E-vate on transition to employee ownership

Jurit law firm has advised specialist scientific and commercial consultancy E-vate on its transition to employee ownership through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Founded in 2010 and based in Knutsford, Cheshire, E-vate supports pharmaceutical and life sciences businesses with evidence-based strategic consultancy across areas including clinical development, translational medicine, market access and strategic communications.

Lawyers from Jurit LLP advised on the transaction, supporting the company through the process of establishing the trust and completing the transfer of ownership.

The move to employee ownership provides a long-term succession solution for the business while preserving its culture, independence and strategic direction. It also creates a framework to support continued growth and employee engagement.

Jeremy Glover, Partner at Jurit and specialist in Employee Ownership Trusts, advised E-vate on the legal aspects of the deal. He said:

“Employee Ownership Trusts continue to be an increasingly attractive succession option for founder-led and specialist businesses that want to preserve their independence and reward the people who have contributed to their success.

“E-vate has built an excellent reputation in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, and this transition creates a strong platform for the next phase of the company’s development while ensuring employees remain central to its future.”

Chris Harrison, Director of E-vate, added: “This is a significant and exciting moment for E-vate. Our success has always come from the quality of our people, the strength of our scientific thinking and the trusted relationships we build with clients. We believe employee ownership gives E-vate a strong platform for the future and reinforces what clients value most about working with us.

“Jeremy and the team at Jurit provided clear, commercial and pragmatic legal advice throughout the process and were instrumental in helping us complete the transaction successfully.”

E-vate’s existing shareholders will retain a minority stake and remain actively involved in the business.

Employee Ownership Trusts enable shareholders to transfer a controlling interest in a business into a trust that operates for the long-term benefit of employees.

Jurit has extensive experience advising businesses on EOT structures, governance and succession planning.

This transaction marks the latest in a series of EOT mandates for the firm, including its recent advice to Marine Product (Scotland) Limited on its their transition to employee ownership.

Initium Corporate Finance, a specialist sell-side corporate finance advisory firm, acted for E-vate on the transactional side.