London—Dentons has advised Peters, Fraser + Dunlop, one of the longest-established literary and talent agencies in the UK, on the sale of its interests in 12 major literary estates (including Belgium detective novelist, Georges Simenon of Maigret fame and Evelyn Waugh, author of Brideshead Revisited) to newly formed International Literary Properties (ILP). 

The eight-figure multi-estates deal sees ILP acquire the rights formerly held by the agency for the literary estates of writers: Georges Simenon, Eric Ambler, Margery Allingham, Edmund Crispin, Dennis Wheatley, Robert Bolt, Richard Hull, George Bellairs, Nicolas Freeling, John Creasey, Michael Innes and Evelyn Waugh. 

As well as continuing to represent its existing portfolio of clients, Peters, Fraser + Dunlop will continue to act as literary agent for all 12 estates in collaboration with ILP.  

Guy Norfolk, UK Corporate partner at Dentons said, "Having acted for Peters, Fraser + Dunlop for many years, we were pleased to have had the opportunity to advise on such an interesting literary estates transaction, negotiated and completed almost entirely whilst in "lockdown" and we look forward to continuing to represent Peters, Fraser + Dunlop in the future as a highly valued client of the firm."

Kevin Jones, CFO of Peters, Fraser + Dunlop commented, “We are delighted to have completed this deal with ILP and particularly to be able to retain the on-going representation of these incredible estates. We look forward to working with ILP to ensure that the estates will find an even wider international audience and continue to reach new heights in the future. We are grateful to the entire team at Dentons for their unstinting dedication, advice and professionalism in guiding PFD through this complex negotiation in these difficult and unprecedented times to achieve a successful conclusion.”

The Dentons team in the UK, was led by Corporate Senior Associate James Davison and included Corporate Associate Rebecca Easton, Tax Partner Lorna McCaa and Tax Associate Tom Elliotte, IP & TMT Partner Alison Bryce, IP & TMT Senior Associates John D. McGonagle and Julie Brown and Corporate Trainees Ruby Davies and Sophie Davies. US advice was provided by Dentons New York team, led by Corporate Partner Adam Dunst and Tax Partner Tim Santoli.

About Dentons

Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com