Johnston Carmichael advises on sale of Duffy Skylining to Tilhill Forestry

23 September 2025
The Corporate Finance and Transaction Tax team at Johnston Carmichael recently acted as lead adviser to the shareholders of Duffy Skylining (“Duffy”), a UK-based timber harvesting business, in its sale to Tilhill Forestry, a member of the BSW Group.
Duffy Skylining specialises in working on challenging and steep terrain, employing advanced skylining techniques, and operates with three highly skilled crews following a period of sustained growth.
Tilhill Forestry is the UK’s leading sustainable forest and timber harvesting company and offers a wide range of services supporting woodland owners, public bodies, farmers, landowners and private companies. It is part of the BSW Group, the largest forestry and timber business in the UK, and a member of Binderholz, Europe’s leading timber processing operation,
The strategic acquisition further expands Tilhill’s technical capabilities, and Duffy’s specialist fleet will allow the combined business to harvest in some of the UK’s most complex forests.
Calum Duffy, former owner at Duffy said:
As one of our trusted advisers, I was delighted to have Gavin and his team guide us through the sale process. Johnston Carmichael’s expertise, knowledge and professionalism ensured we found the right solution for our business, delivering a successful outcome for all stakeholders.
Gavin Weanie, Corporate Finance Director at Johnston Carmichael said:
Johnston Carmichael was delighted to support Calum on this important strategic project, marking a significant milestone in our longstanding relationship with Duffy. Our team has provided strategic advice to Calum over the years and this deal aligns perfectly with the company's values, whilst also providing a strong foundation for continued success and growth.