Wragge & Co LLP's Projects and Corporate teams have advised process engineering provider Greenfinch Ltd on its merger with BIOGEN (UK) Ltd. The newly created BiogenGreenfinch will deliver a fully integrated anaerobic digestion (AD) solution to local authorities, agricultural, food, waste and water industries.

AD is a low carbon technology addressing the challenges of landfill diversion, green energy and resource management. The deal will fund research and development, improvements to a second generation AD plant and ten further AD plants in development. Bedfordia Group plc backed the deal.

Wragge & Co projects partner David Hamlett led the team, with assistance from corporate partner Andrew Harrison and senior consultant Stephen Braithwaite. Director Anne Fairpo provided tax advice. The team worked closely with Michael Chesshire, founder of Greenfinch and BiogenGreenfinch technology director, Dan Poulson, CEO of BiogenGreenfinch, and John Ibbett, chairman of BiogenGreenfinch and chief executive of Bedfordia Group. Mark Thompson, head of commercial at Borneos Solicitors, advised BIOGEN.

David Hamlett said: "This is a unique M&A transaction, drawing on the team's experience of partnership principles and alliancing arrangements to create the best platform for long-term business success. In the current economic climate, legal advisers need to deliver flexible, innovative solutions that foster mutually beneficial working relationships. Both legal teams worked closely with the principal parties to create bespoke contracts to fit this forward-thinking vision."

Michael Chesshire at BiogenGreenfinch said: "Interest in AD has increased enormously over the last two years. Britain needs a strong home-grown AD industry and BiogenGreenfinch brings together the expertise and resources of two pioneering companies."

Greenfinch is a process engineering company providing AD technology using sewage sludge, farm and food waste digesters. Based in Shropshire, it has developed 10 plants throughout the UK and employs 25 people. Wragge & Co has a long-standing relationship with Greenfinch.

BIOGEN was established in 2005 to develop a new farm-based application of AD technology. It integrates farm operations to produce renewable energy from food chain waste recycling. BIOGEN is part of Bedfordia Group, a company committed to using emerging technology to create innovative solutions that benefit the local community and global environment.

Wragge & Co boasts landmark experience in creating unique partnering deals in the public and private sectors. This year's Financial Times' survey of innovation in the legal profession awarded the firm 'stand out' ranking in the public-private partnership category for advising on the MOD's £3.9 billion CVF Alliance project to build the UK's next generation of aircraft carriers. Equally innovative, the team advised the Department of Health and over 120 trusts on a ground-breaking Independent Sector Treatment Centre programme. In the energy sector, corporate experience includes advising BP plc on a strategic alliance between BP Alternative Energy and Clipper Windpower. The team also advised BP on a US$400 million biofuels investment deal with Associated British Foods and DuPont.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 213 2397, Alexa Highfield on +44 (0)121 213 2396 or Amie Ryalls on +44 (0)121 213 2360

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.