GMT

BRADLEY AND JEFFERIES SOLICITORS HELP BRING FAMOUS MOTORBIKES BACK TO UK
Ownership of Norton Motorbikes, one of the most famous British motorcycle brands, has returned home after nearly fifteen years of US ownership in a multi-million pound deal handled by Bradley and Jefferies. Local (Repton) businessman, Stuart Garner, owner of Norton Racing Ltd, has repurchased all the trademarks and development work relating to the Norton, Manx, Atlas, Commando and Dominator brands, which are synonymous with British motorcycling. Norton Racing Ltd, which is based at Donington Park is already developing a new rotary engined race bike and now by acquiring the ownership of the brand itself, plans are underway to introduce a new road bike for 2009. Matthew Bradley and Kate Linge from Bradley and Jefferies Commercial Solicitors, were instructed to act on behalf of Norton Racing Ltd. They advised them throughout the acquisition and the international deal was successfully completed to the delight of all concerned.
		Amanda Jefferies, Stuart Garner and Matthew Bradley
In the early nineties the brands were bought by Norton Motorcycles Inc in the USA with the view to developing a new Commando road bike for the US market. Nearly $10 million was spent on IP, design and development, and this development work has formed part of the new deal. The investment can now be brought to bear on the new global project for the Norton Commando 961 road bike. Norton intend to develop a strong presence on the track and on the road during the 2009 season with a new 15, 000 sq ft factory and office complex based at Donington Park - Norton are at the heart of motorcycle racing once again and committed to investment to make the initiative work. Commenting on the deal, Stuart said: “This has been a challenging and exciting period for us. We are proud to have brought the brands back home and now intend to focus on re-establishing Norton as a premier motorcycling brand across the world. Bradley and Jefferies have been a great support to us on this project.” Matthew Bradley , partner at Bradley and Jefferies added: “ In the current economic climate it is fantastic to see a deal like this go through to completion and offers positive and very welcome news for the area.” “ With the Norton name and amazing product development plans I am confident that the business will go from strength to strength,” added Matthew. Bradley and Jefferies was established in 2005 by Matthew Bradley and Amanda Jefferies, who have a wealth of experience in the commercial arena. The practice acts for a wide cross-section of owner-managed businesses in the Midlands – from business start-ups to multi-million pound international businesses.