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Schofield Sweeney said in an announcement on its website on 23 October 2026 that its corporate team, working with AAB, had advised shareholders Paul and Cate Tate-Smith on the sale of Tate-Smith Limited to Deckers Hospitality Group Ltd.
According to the announcement, Tate-Smith is a wholesaler of soft and alcoholic drinks that was established in Malton in 1888 and has remained family-owned for six generations. The firm said the business will continue to trade under the Tate-Smith name following the acquisition.
Key points
- Schofield Sweeney’s corporate team worked with AAB to advise shareholders Paul and Cate Tate-Smith on the sale.
- The announcement describes Tate-Smith as a 138-year-old, family-owned drinks wholesaler founded in Malton in 1888.
- The firm said all current staff are staying on, with Harry Tate-Smith remaining in the business as Trading Director.
- The announcement describes buyer Deckers Hospitality Group Ltd as a Rochdale-based family business operating across hospitality, wholesale and e-commerce, run by siblings Max Brierley and Victoria Cosgrove.
- Schofield Sweeney said legal advice on the sale drew on its corporate, real estate, private wealth & succession and regulatory teams.
The deal
Schofield Sweeney said the transaction brings together two established family businesses and is intended to ensure continuity for customers and employees. Paul Tate-Smith said: “The business has been in our family for six generations, but the time was right to hand over the reins to a company that can take Tate-Smith to the next level. We’re confident that the Deckers team will do just that by continuing to look after and grow our customer base, and we’re delighted that our son, Harry, can continue to play a role in that.”
Max Brierley of Deckers Hospitality Group said: “Like us Tate-Smith is a family-run business with an impressive history. We felt it was the perfect fit for us as we continue to develop and grow our portfolio, and we welcome them to our family.”
Advisers
The announcement said AAB’s Corporate Finance team provided corporate finance advice to the shareholders throughout the process, led by Partner Patrick Lynch and supported by Daniel Lightbody. A Leeds-based tax team working on the transaction was led by Kate Naylor and Helen Wilkinson, the announcement said. Deckers Hospitality Group was advised by Pannone Corporate LLP and Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group.