Birketts polishes gem of a deal between Sapphire France and US group FlexXray

08 Oct, 2025
Newsdesk
Law firm Birketts has advised the shareholders of Sapphire France Holdings Limited on the sale of the main business and its subsidiary companies across both the UK and France to FlexXray in Arlington, Texas – a leading provider of food safety and inspection services.
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Corinne Spencer. Image courtesy – Birketts.

The acquisition represents a strategic expansion into the European market for FlexXray, reinforcing its commitment to delivering best-in-class inspection solutions globally.

The deal also marks a significant milestone for Sapphire France Holdings, whose registered office is in Litlington, Royston and which has significant operations internationally.

The Birketts team was led by Cambridge-based Corinne Spencer (Legal Director, Corporate) and supported by Anvita Oswal (Advocate (admitted in India)), Macauley Alsford-White (Associate, Corporate), Nicola Heywood (Associate, Corporate), and Robbie Watson (Senior Associate, Corporate Tax).

Richard Parmee, shareholder and representative of the seller group, said: “This was a significant and complex transaction due to the multi-jurisdiction dynamic; our thanks to Birketts for helping us through this challenge with an energised, efficient and thorough service. Corinne and her team were clear, professional and absolutely committed to our shared success. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Spencer added: “It has been a real pleasure and privilege to act for Richard and the sellers in this transaction and wish each of them all the best as they move forward into their next ventures. I look forward to seeing what is next in store for Sapphire France under FlexXray’s stewardship and am confident it will be the success it deserves to be.”