Rochford-based J&J Restaurants acquires KFC sites in Colchester and Chelmsford

Ed Savory, legal director and head of franchising at Birketts. Picture: Birketts (Image: Archant)

J&J, which is based at Rochford, already operates a chain of KFC stores across the eastern region through a subsidiary company, Kefco Sales.

The company was advised on the purchase of the sites at 10 High Street in Colchester and Clock House in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, by regional law firm Birketts.

Ed Savory, legal director and head of franchising at Birketts, led the transaction with overall responsibility resting with Adam Jones (partner, corporate) and assistance provided by Matthew Grindley (senior associate, commercial property) and Stephanie Ayre (solicitor, Corporate).

Mr Savory said: “The experience of our dedicated franchising team in advising multi-unit operators with support from our wider corporate team which includes experts in intellectual property and brand protection, dispute resolution, commercial property, commercial services and employment, means we are well placed to assist our multi-unit franchise clients with all their legal needs.”

Birketts’ banking and finance team also advised HSBC on the funding side of the transaction via a revolving credit facility, with legal advice provided by Greg Allan (partner), Lottie Fletcher (associate) and Arwa Salman (solicitor).

Huw James, managing director at Kefco Sales, said: “We selected Birketts to advise us as we wanted to work with lawyers who had an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the world of franchising as well as expertise in corporate transactions.”

J&J plans to open four more outlets over the next three years under an agreement between Kefco Sales and KFC GB.