Lawyers at Osborne Clarke in Bristol have advised the shareholders of Mabway, a defence sector simulation and training specialist, on its disposal to Canadian military training, tactical equipment and support service provider Calian Group.

Mabway works with defence sector clients to manage large-scale specialist role-playing environments which simulate real-world training and provide technical engineering education for naval and maritime communities.

The company, based in Havant, Hampshire, has been a leader in this space for 20 years, working with clients out of several UK offices and offering services across Europe and the Middle East.

The Osborne Clarke team advising on this deal was led by Bristol-based corporate partner Damocles Merry, along with Hannah Maidment and Peter Coyle.

Also involved were Anika Chandra and Rhiannon Jones (incentives); Helena Zaba and Matthew Oliver (corporate tax); Chris Wrigley (global compliance); Alice Spicer Edwards and Leanne Coates (human capital); Marc Shrimpling and Lucy Elliott (regulatory - NSIA); Ricky Takhar (property); and Georgina Graham and Niall Shields (data).

Anne O’Reilly, managing director and co-founder of Mabway, said: “Damocles and everyone else we worked with at Osborne Clarke was very helpful and easy to work with, making a stressful process flow and giving us a sense of security throughout.”

Damocles Merry said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support the shareholders from the start to the finish of this transaction. The culture that Anne, Mark and the rest of the management at Mabway have created shone throughout, making a successful completion all the more pleasing.”

Osborne Clarke is a recognised industry leader in the defence sector, providing a comprehensive service that provides critical legal support to companies at all levels in the supply chain. The team has a detailed understanding of the issues facing businesses in the sector and works in partnership with clients to deliver focused support while also leveraging our tech expertise.