Metis handles P&H assets sale

The IP assets of collapsed groceries wholesaler Palmer & Harvey are being brought to the market by Glasgow-based Metis Partners.

The 90-year-old firm brought in administrators towards the end of last year after “challenging trading conditions” heaped pressure on its cash flow and efforts to revive the business failed to take hold.

P&H had been the UK’S biggest wholesaler supplier of cigarettes and employed more than 3,000 people providing alcohol, groceries and frozen food to some 100,000 retail accounts.

Stephen Robertson of IP valuation firm Metis Partners said: “The acquisition of critical IP assets can provide a buyer with quick access to market and to the associated revenue streams.

“Palmer & Harvey made around 1.75 million deliveries per year to more than 100,000 retailers, so the national reach of this heritage brand and reputation is undisputed. It is also supported by a portfolio of registered trademarks.”

The IP assets for sale include the corporate brand and a portfolio of registered trademarks. The IP rights in the organisational knowledge, website content and domain name portfolio and goodwill are also included in the sale.

Metis has also been involved in the successful marketing and sale of the IP assets of Brantano, Ortak, Bank Fashion and Internacionale.

Aylin Dzhafer, senior manager of IP valuation at Metis Partners, who is co-ordinating the marketing, said: “We are excited to be working with the joint administrators on another opportunity in the sector.

“This sale will be particularly relevant to companies looking to bolster an IP portfolio in an industry with traditionally high barriers to entry.”