Lawyers from Bristol-headquartered TLT are toasting their role in bringing iconic drink Babycham back to its West Country roots ahead of its relaunch next year by members of the same family that made it a huge success in the 1950s and 1960s.
The TLT advised Somerset-based drinks firm Brothers Drinks on its reacquisition of the sparkling perry brand in an agreement with current owners Accolade Wines. 
Brothers Drinks, which makes a range of ciders, is owned by the Showering family.
Babycham was invented by their father Francis Showering, who launched the pear-based tipple in 1953 as the first alcoholic drink aimed specifically at women with its catchphrase “I’d Love a Babycham”.
It was also the first alcoholic drink to be advertised on British commercial TV.
Brothers Drinks plans to reinvigorate the brand and relaunch it in 2022, extending it to a new generation of consumers and fans of sparkling drinks.
The reacquisition is part of the firm’s expansion plans following exceptionally strong growth this year.
The company, which owns the Showerings Cider Mill in Shepton Mallet, has also restored the iconic 15ft Babysham bambi statue to help welcome the brand back into its portfolio.
The TLT team, which advised Brothers Drinks on all corporate aspects of the deal, was led by corporate partner James Webb, with support from associate Henry Male and solicitor Irina Angliss. Partner Nick Fenner provided intellectual property advice.
TLT had previously advised on Brothers Drinks’ acquisitions of Kilver Court, the Showering family’s ancestral home, and the cider mill, making the complex the second largest cider plant in the UK. Financial details of the Babycham deal have not been disclosed. 
TLT partner and head of corporate Andrew Webber, pictured, said: “We were very pleased to continue our support to Brothers Drinks with our role in bringing such an iconic brand back to its ancestral home.
“We’ve seen a lot of activity across the branded consumer goods and drinks sector in a period which has otherwise been extremely challenging for many.
“It’s a particular pleasure to be involved in a heritage brand like Babycham being revitalised under its original ownership. We’ll definitely be raising a glass or two ourselves.”
Brothers Drinks produces the Brothers flavoured cider brand, supported by the ‘Curious Mix’ marketing campaign and the Mallets cider brand in Original Apple and Dark Fruit variants.
The firm also produces cider and other drinks for many third-party brand owners.
Matthew Showering of Brothers Drinks added: “We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our drinks portfolio and are already receiving extremely positive feedback on the decision by many who consider it a ‘sleeping giant’ within the drinks industry.
“It’s a sentimental brand, not only for our family, but for families across the nation who associate Babycham with fond memories and celebratory milestones.
“Babycham will join the Brothers Drinks Co. Ltd portfolio which, as well as its own brands, also produces cider, beer, spirits and soft drinks for third party brand owners.
“To celebrate the acquisition, the company gave the Babycham statue, located in Shepton Mallet for the last 60 years, a complete refurbishment.”
