DLA Piper Facilitates Acquisition of Poundland by Gordon Brothers

In a significant development for the retail sector, DLA Piper, a leading global law firm, has successfully advised Gordon Brothers on its acquisition of Poundland, a prominent discount retailer with over 800 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The announcement was made on June 13, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for both companies as they aim to revitalize and restructure Poundland's operations amidst a challenging retail landscape.

Poundland, known for its low-cost offerings, has been under financial pressure, prompting the need for a strategic overhaul. Gordon Brothers, a global advisory, restructuring, and investment firm, will provide up to £80 million in financing to support the management team's restructuring and turnaround plan. This financial backing is anticipated to stabilize Poundland and enhance its competitive edge within the retail market.

Rob Russell, the Head of Restructuring at DLA Piper, led the multidisciplinary team that orchestrated this complex transaction. He expressed optimism about the future of Poundland under Gordon Brothers’ stewardship, stating, "We are delighted to have played a role in the renewal of Poundland; a cornerstone retailer on the UK high street. I have no doubt that the business has a bright future."

The DLA Piper team included notable partners such as Jonathan Richards, Joseph Frew, Sarah Letson, and Gavin Smith, all specializing in finance, along with Andrew Walker from real estate and David Booth and Satnam Sahota from the Intellectual Property & Technology sector. The incorporation of diverse legal expertise underscores DLA Piper's commitment to providing comprehensive support for complex acquisitions.

Ben Mukhida-Olushola, Lead Transaction Counsel for Gordon Brothers, praised DLA Piper’s performance throughout the acquisition process. He noted, "The DLA Piper team were outstanding across the board, advising and supporting Gordon Brothers through this time-pressured, complex and competitive process. Their commercial acumen and strategic insight were instrumental in ensuring the successful close of the transaction."

This acquisition follows DLA Piper's involvement in the sale of Gordon Brothers’ global brand, Laura Ashley, in December 2024, further solidifying the firm's reputation in facilitating high-stakes transactions in the retail sector.

The acquisition of Poundland by Gordon Brothers is not just a business move; it reflects broader trends in the retail industry, where discount retailers are increasingly pivotal to consumers seeking value amidst rising living costs. Experts believe that with the right strategic approach, Poundland could reclaim its position as a leading player in the UK market.

Looking ahead, the success of this acquisition will depend on the effective implementation of the restructuring plan and the ability of both Gordon Brothers and Poundland to adapt to the evolving retail landscape. As consumer preferences shift and economic conditions fluctuate, the retail sector remains in a state of transformation, making this acquisition a crucial case study for future endeavors in the industry.