At a glance

mfg Solicitors advised on the acquisition of Willans Safety Harnesses by Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems, both based in Coventry. This acquisition combines two respected motorsport safety equipment manufacturers, ensuring the continuation and development of the Willans brand. The deal highlights the commitment to innovation and quality in motorsport safety, benefiting both companies and their customers.

Corporate specialists from law firm mfg Solicitors have advised on the acquisition of a leading manufacturer of motorsport safety equipment. The deal, led by corporate experts Phil Chapman, Lucy Harrold, and Sufyaan Aslim, has seen Coventry-based Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems acquire respected manufacturer, Willans Safety Harnesses. The team at mfg played a central role in securing the acquisition of the business, acting as advisors throughout the transaction and providing guidance at every stage around the terms of the deal. Founded in 1967, Willans Safety Harnesses has become a respected name in the manufacture and supply of FIA-approved safety equipment across the motorsport sector. The business, also headquartered in Coventry, now becomes part of Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems, which over the past 30 years has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of motorsport fire suppression and safety equipment. Lucy Harrold, Corporate Associate Solicitor at Midland-based mfg Solicitors said: “This unique acquisition brings together two of the most respected names in motorsport safety and ensures the long-term future of the Willans brand, a company whose heritage has been woven into the fabric of global motorsport for nearly six decades.

“Since 1967, Willans has supplied safety harnesses to leading teams across Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar and rallying, supporting numerous world championship-winning drivers and teams throughout its history.

“The transaction combines complementary product portfolios and brings together decades of specialist expertise in motorsport safety. Both companies share a common commitment to innovation, FIA compliance, quality manufacturing, and continuous product development. “We were delighted to play our role in the deal and ensure the best outcome for both sides.” Jim Morris, Managing Director of Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems added: “Willans Safety Harnesses is a fantastic business with a first-class reputation for its engineering excellence. I’m delighted to welcome it into our group.

“A key focus of the acquisition is the preservation and continued development of the Willans brand. Under our ownership it’s not just a new era, but customers, teams, and distributors can expect the values that have defined Willans for generations to remain firmly intact. The corporate team at mfg were instrumental in ensuring that we completed the acquisition within a tight timeframe, working closely with both me and other professional advisers involved.

“More than anything, the acquisition represents a positive outcome for the outgoing owners, ensuring that the business they have successfully built continues under the stewardship of another specialist motorsport safety manufacturer with a strong understanding of the technical demands, regulatory environment and its heritage.”

mfg Solicitors has offices in Worcester, Birmingham, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, the Black Country, Ludlow and Telford.

Editorial insight

The acquisition of Willans Safety Harnesses by Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems brings together two established Coventry-based manufacturers with longstanding reputations in the global motorsport safety market. While the deal is primarily of interest within the specialist sector, it highlights ongoing consolidation among suppliers of FIA-approved safety equipment, a niche but critical area underpinning professional motorsport operations.

For teams, drivers, and distributors, the move is likely to mean continuity in product quality and compliance, with both brands maintaining a focus on engineering standards and regulatory requirements. The involvement of mfg Solicitors reflects the increasing role of legal and corporate advisors in managing transactions within highly regulated industries such as motorsport safety, where technical heritage and brand reputation remain key assets.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Economic impact

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Explore how the acquisition of Willans Safety Harnesses by Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems could influence Coventry's local economy, job market, and manufacturing sector.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 7/10 Industry trend

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Analyse the broader trends in motorsport safety and what the acquisition of Willans Safety Harnesses by Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems means for the industry.

Target audience trade-industry Story potential 6/10