Birmingham law firm Cobbetts has advised four local authorities on the sale of West Mercia Supplies.

Both Cobbetts and Ernst and Young advised former owners of the firm Shropshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, Borough of Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire District Council.

The Shrewsbury-based company has been acquired by The Consortium for Purchasing and Distribution (The Consortium). The utilities element of the business has been retained, and remains in local authority ownership and will operate under the new name ofWest Mercia Energy.

West Mercia Supplies (WMS), which provides office and educational products for schools, colleges, government offices and other not for profit organisations, was previously owned by the four councils.

Nick Dawson, director in the corporate team at Cobbetts, said: “West Mercia Supplies is a successful business, which employs in excess of 100 people.

“It will be a profitable addition to the The Consortium’s portfolio, and complements the organisation’s existing services and customer base.”