Major food retailer Iceland appoints Yorkshire law firm Gordons to support growth plans
Wednesday 21st January 2015
Major British food retailer Iceland has appointed Yorkshire law firm Gordons to support its ongoing growth strategy.
By the end of the financial year, Iceland aims to have opened up to 40 more new stores in the UK, created up to 1,250 jobs and rolled-out its online service to a further 320 stores, giving coverage for around 80 per cent of the UK population. The company currently has 844 stores and annual sales in excess of £2.7bn.
Gordons will initially provide Iceland with advice on property and commercial matters, alongside the retailer’s historical advisers.
Commenting on Gordons’ appointment, Iceland chief financial officer, Tarsem Dhaliwal, said: “We wanted to find a law firm with genuine retail expertise. We found what we were looking for in Gordons.
We were impressed by the firm’s knowledge and experience within the retail sector, which was augmented by recommendations made by other retailers.
“Iceland has ambitious growth plans, so it is important we partner with lawyers who will enable us to achieve them quickly. Gordons have already demonstrated how they bring commercial acumen and pace to the services they deliver.”
The firm’s retail clients include B&M, Morrisons, Bosideng, Buy It Direct, Card Factory, Charles Tyrwhitt, Freeman Grattan, Greenwoods, Original Factory Shop, Pavers Shoes, Poundworld and The West Cornwall Pasty Company.
Paul Ayre, Gordons managing partner, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Iceland. It’s a really well-run, dynamic retailer and we like their partnering approach. We represent lots of retailers, so we understand what’s important to them.”