Quartet of firms win roles on Duke Street funeral homes deal

Midlands-based LM Funerals - one of the largest independent funeral services in the country - has been bought by Duke Street from venture capitalist Sovereign Capital.

The deal also involved the co-investment of Babson Capital, Metric Capital Partners and Alcentra, which will provide mezzanine and payment-in-kind facilities alongside Duke Street and management in the capital structure.

Duke Street was advised by Brinkworth’s former firm SJ Berwin, led by corporate partner Nicholas Plant. Babson, Metric and Alcentra were advised by Ropes & Gray, led by finance partner Matthew Cox. Sellers Sovereign Capital was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna, led by corporate partner Jason Zemmell.

Hogan Lovells partner Stuart Brinkworth, assisted by senior associate Tom Richards, led a team that advised lenders HSBC and RBS on the debt financing of the deal.