Consumer

We have extensive experience of working with a wide range of multi-channel retail and consumer companies. Their products and services have included everything from fashion, health and beauty, stationery, books, electronics and computer games to automotive products.

Looking at potential investments, we want to see businesses with a distinctive brand, a clearly identified customer profile and with the potential to grow their distribution networks both in the UK and overseas.

The ability to grow a distinctive or innovative brand through an imaginative, well-researched distribution strategy is key to their success. Historically, the extensive roll-out of retail stores was a major driver of growth. Reflecting changing dynamics, our recent investments have been of digitally native companies. We look for businesses with international expansion opportunities, high repeat rates, strong margins and differentiated marketing strategies.

Over the past 25 years, we have realised 17 retail and consumer investments through a combination of IPOs, trade sales and exits to financial buyers, achieving some exceptionally high returns. Major successes include Wagamama (which returned 12.8x cost), Maplin Electronics (9.5x), Game (7.9x), Ottakar’s (6.0x), Micheldever Tyre Services (3.7x), Sodastream (3.3x), Jane Norman (2.9x), Paperchase (2.7x) and Kurt Geiger (2.6x).