Linklaters and Travers bag Carpetright deal

Lord Harris of Peckham has turned to longstanding adviser Travers Smith to navigate him through his £850m offer for Carpetright, where he is currently chairman and chief executive.

Linklaters is advising the independent committee of Carpetright, the company Harris founded in 1988. Travers has been the go-to adviser to the company since its inception, said corporate partner Oliver Barnes, who is leading on the deal. In addition, Harris has had a relationship with the firm since the 1970s.

Travers’ head of private equity Charles Barter is also advising on the take-private, which sees Harris make an indicative bid of £12.50 per share. The independent directors yesterday said they would allow Harris access to the company’s books.

Meanwhile, at Linklaters corporate partner Carlton Evans is leading the team for the independent directors of the company, while financial advice is being provided by Deutsche Bank.

Deloitte is the financial adviser to Harris.