John Partridge
Location: Northumberland
Sector: Clothing
Web site: www.johnpartridge.com
Investment
Amount: Undisclosed
Type: Equity
Fund: North East Growth
Plus Fund
Fund manager: Andrew Coles
Why we invested
Clothing retailer Nick Oliver, together with former Barbour
operations director, David Reay and designer Gary Newbold joined
forces to acquire renowned country clothing brand, John Partridge
in December, 2010.
The new management team has a great deal of expertise and a
clear vision for the business’s future, including some exciting
plans to reinvigorate the brand.
Outcome
FW Capital invested from the North East Growth Plus Fund
alongside business angel, Anne Holliday to provide a package of
acquisition finance and development capital.
The John Partridge brand was acquired at the end of December and
will launch a new range in autumn, 2011.
Testimonials
"John Partridge is a renowned country attire brand and we have
some ambitious plans to regain its market-leading position. FW
Capital’s investment has been crucial in helping us achieve these
plans and we look forward to launching our new range in readiness
for the 2011 autumn season," Nick Oliver, managing director,
John Partridge.
"John Partridge’s new owners are a strong team with an
impressive reputation in the sector. They are well placed to make
the most of this very exciting opportunity. Combining their
expertise with this substantial equity investment, I’m confident
they’ll reinvigorate this highly regarded brand," Andrew Coles,
fund manager, FW Capital.