Automated report. This article was drafted by software from the sources listed below, checked automatically against them, and read by the editor, Sam Allcock, before it was published. Law Week labels every article produced this way. A person is answerable for it: if something here is wrong, write to editor@lawweek.co.uk and we will correct it on the page and say what changed.
Wedlake Bell said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it advised the management team on the management buyout of Reeve the Baker.
The same page also set out details of two further mandates and a short piece of market commentary.
Key points
- Wedlake Bell said it advised the management team on the MBO of Reeve the Baker.
- The firm said it advised on the sale of Hulley & Kirkwood, a building services consultancy founded in 1953, employing about 122 staff across seven UK offices with a strong presence in Scotland.
- Wedlake Bell said Hulley & Kirkwood specialises in mechanical, electrical and public health engineering.
- The firm said it advised the shareholders of Katalyst Diagnostics on the sale of the business to Cruinn Diagnostics.
- Wedlake Bell described Katalyst Diagnostics as a UK point-of-care diagnostics company offering premium, innovative diagnostic solutions, including access to technologies in haematology, clinical chemistry and antipsychotic drug monitoring.
Other mandates
Alongside the Reeve the Baker instruction, the announcement described Wedlake Bell’s role advising on the sale of Hulley & Kirkwood, which it said has traded since 1953 and operates from seven UK bases with particular strength in Scotland. It also set out the firm’s work for the shareholders of Katalyst Diagnostics on that company’s sale to Cruinn Diagnostics, describing Katalyst as a UK point-of-care diagnostics business supplying premium, innovative diagnostic solutions to healthcare organisations and clinical professionals.
Market conditions
The announcement also included separate commentary on deal activity, saying buyers remain highly selective even though capital continues to be available from private equity and strategic acquirers. It said that capital is shifting toward businesses that show steady repeat income, strong growth potential and solid governance.