UK Top 50 law firm, Birketts, has advised Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) on its merger with Writtle University College.
Established in 1893, Writtle University College, now known as ARU Writtle, has particular expertise in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, equine and canine studies, and animal management.
The merger, that completed on 29 February 2024, is a move that enhances ARU’s offering in Chelmsford and complements its existing programmes. ARU, recently named the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023, will develop and extend the education and research opportunities at ARU Writtle.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “This is an exciting time and a significant milestone in our history. We are delighted to have merged with Writtle University College, and together we will build on their excellent reputation and vision to achieve sustained growth in Higher and Further Education.”
Dwight Patten (Partner, Commercial Property), supported by Georgina Mauger (Associate, Commercial Property) and the wider Birketts team, provided ARU with a comprehensive range of real estate advice and negotiations in connection with the property aspects of the merger deal.
ARU Writtle is based on a 170-hectare site comprised of student and teaching facilities, commercial buildings and agricultural land. Due to the history, composition and size of the campus, the property advice of the acquisition was wide ranging, including aiding ARU to strategically assess Writtle’s pre-existing estate plans and third-party arrangements.
Dwight and Georgina also worked in close collaboration with Poppy Short and Emily Cox at Mills & Reeve LLP who acted on the corporate aspects of the transaction on behalf of ARU.
The Birketts team was led by Dwight Patten (Partner, Commercial Property) and supported by Nick Pickersgill (Partner, Commercial Property), Georgina Mauger (Associate, Commercial Property), Joris Salden (Solicitor, Commercial Property), Lynsey Ellard (Partner, Property Litigation), Alice Harris (Legal Director, Property Litigation), Edward Long (Senior Associate, Planning and Environment), Lauren Barden-Williams (Paralegal, Construction and Engineering), Karl Pocock (Partner, Corporate Tax) and Ryan Smith (Solicitor, Corporate Tax).
Dwight Patten added: “It has been a privilege to work with the ARU team on the merger with Writtle. ARU has been a client of ours for several years and it has been fantastic to witness and support their continued growth. I look forward to seeing the next phase in this journey and the positive impact it will have for students and the local community.”
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