The Business
Few businesses become as closely woven into a town as JC Dawson Butchers has become in Elgin.
Its story stretches back to 1889, giving the business a remarkable 135 year history in the town. For more than 90 of those years, customers have known exactly where to find it, at the same premises on Batchen Street, where it has traded since 1932.
Across four generations of the Dawson family, the business has built a reputation that extends far beyond its shopfront. Behind it is a skilled and experienced team, generations of customer relationships and a name that has become a familiar part of Elgin’s high street.
Most recently led by Michael and Rita Dawson, JC Dawson Butchers had reached an important point in its long history. After decades in the family, it was time to find the right people to carry it forward.
The Challenge
For Michael and Rita Dawson, selling JC Dawson Butchers meant making a decision about the future of something that had been part of their family for generations.
At 72, Michael was ready to step away and enjoy retirement with Rita, but finding a buyer was about much more than achieving a successful sale. They wanted to know that the reputation built by the Dawson family would be respected and that the people who had helped make the business what it is would have security under new ownership.
Continuity mattered too. JC Dawson Butchers had served generations of customers in Elgin, so finding someone capable of taking over the business and keeping it trading was an important part of the decision.
The challenge was to achieve the right outcome for Michael and Rita while giving the business, its staff and its customers confidence in what came next.
What We Did
From the outset, Business Partnership recognised that JC Dawson Butchers offered something far beyond the opportunity to acquire a retail business.
The business and freehold were brought to market together, with the sales process built around the qualities that had sustained JC Dawson for so many years. Its heritage, reputation in Elgin and experienced team all formed an important part of how the opportunity was presented to potential buyers.
Interest came quickly, and after a short period of marketing, Speyside Meats Limited emerged as a strong candidate. As an established trade buyer looking to build a presence in the area, the acquisition offered a natural opportunity for growth while providing the continuity Michael and Rita were looking for.
Business Partnership worked with both parties throughout the process, helping progress the sale towards an outcome that worked not only commercially, but for the people and future of the business too.
The Outcome
JC Dawson Butchers and its Batchen Street freehold were successfully sold to Speyside Meats Limited, giving Michael and Rita the opportunity to step away knowing the business had a future beyond their retirement.
Under new owner Paul, all existing staff transferred with the business, providing the security and continuity that had been so important to Michael and Rita throughout the sale.
For customers in Elgin, the doors remain open and the business continues to trade from the premises it has occupied since 1932.
After four generations of Dawson family ownership and more than 135 years in the town, the sale marks the beginning of a new chapter for JC Dawson Butchers, while protecting the people, presence and reputation built over generations.
In Their Words
Michael Dawson, former owner of JC Dawson Butchers, said:
Simon was fantastic throughout, and it was a pleasure to work with him. I’m 72 now, and while it’s a big change, I feel the time is right. I’m not sad, I’m looking forward to retirement. What means the most to me is knowing the staff will be well looked after working under Paul.
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Simon Fraser, the Business Partnership Partner who handled the sale, added:
I am delighted for my clients Michael and Rita and wish them a long and happy retirement. The business was sold after a short period of marketing, to a trade buyer who is looking to establish a foothold in the area. A fantastic outcome for everyone
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Thinking About Selling Your Business?
How do you put a value on something that has been part of your family for generations?
For Michael and Rita, selling meant more than retirement. It meant trusting someone else with a family name, a loyal team and a legacy built over 135 years.
At Business Partnership, we understand that the most important parts of a sale are not always found on a balance sheet. We take the time to understand what matters to you, what you want to protect and what the right next chapter looks like.
If you are beginning to think about stepping away, a confidential conversation could be the first step.
Whether you’re selling, buying, or planning for the future, Business Partnership is here to help. Contact us today to speak with your local Regional Partner and start your journey toward success.
Whether you’re selling, buying, or planning for the future, Business Partnership is here to help. Contact us today to speak with your local Regional Partner and start your journey toward success.