The corporate team at regional law firm Birketts has advised Essex-based Akehurst Tyres on the sale of its business and assets to the Universal Tyre Company (Deptford) Ltd.

Akehurst, established in 1971, was a family-owned firm based in Chelmsford, selling tyres to private motorists and business customes.

The corporate transaction was led by Birketts corporate partner Nick Burnett, assisted by Heidi Jones, with Laura Jackson providing employment law advice.

Grace Kerr worked on the property aspects, which involved the separate sale of the business premises, owned by Brenda Akehurst and leased to Akehurst Tyres, to the International Bible Students Association. It plans to redevelopment the Temple Farm site, subject to planning permission.

Lisa Akehurst, daughter of founder Christopher Akehurst, who has now taken up the role of depot operations manager with Universal, said: “Birketts’ knowledgeable corporate and property teams kept us informed at all times and ensured we reached a positive outcome. Throughout the process the team provided exceptional levels of service.”

Nick Burnett added: “Birketts has been providing legal support and assistance to both first generation and long established family businesses for many years.”

He added: “We’re delighted to help a local family business secure it sale.”

The financial value of the acquisition was not disclosed.