Taylor Wessing has advised its client Rutland Partners on its £85m acquisition of Maplin Electronics.

Maplin, the electronics specialist retail chain, is an iconic brand with a tech-savvy customer base. Having started in 1972 as a small mail order business, Maplin has grown considerably over the years and has established itself as a national electronics chain with over 210 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Rutland focuses on special situations where, through change, restructuring and investment, it can help improve businesses. Maplin represents an exciting opportunity for Rutland to build on recently improved performance in the business and help management deliver a broad based strategic plan aimed at releasing its further potential.

Private Equity partner Edward Waldron led the Taylor Wessing team alongside Finance partner Martin Yells and head of Private Equity Nick Hazell.

Nick Hazell commented:

"The deal represents a fantastic opportunity for Rutland to utilise its operational expertise alongside an entrepreneurial management team with great ambitions for future growth. It has been great to advise Rutland on this exciting first transaction in their new fund."