A manufacturer and distributor of fine foods has won investment from mid-market private equity firm LDC.
The partnership with LDC will enable management at Bramble Foods to strengthen its position in the market by investing in new products and in-house manufacturing facilities.
As well as helping with organic growth, it is hoped LDC will also support acquisition opportunities.
Bramble is headquartered in Market Harborough, in south Leicestershire, and makes and supplies more than 2,000 products, ranging from preserves, pickles, chutneys and sauces, to cakes, biscuits, confectionery, hampers and seasonal goods.
An in-house manufacturing division makes preserves, chutneys, sauces and cakes.
The family-run business was founded in 2008 and works with 1,400 customers including independents, local retailers, garden centres, farm shops and holiday parks.
LDC said it was backing the existing management team, led by founder and chief executive Tony Foster, alongside finance director Chris Neville and sales director Ken Osborne.
As part of the deal, co-founder Nigel Foster will retire to pursue other interests.
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A spokesman said: “Under their leadership, the business has delivered strong year-on-year growth.”
The investment was led by Rob Schofield, partner in LDC’s Midlands team alongside investment director Phil Hinson. A team from Orbis Partners, led by Partner Gary Ecob and Director Steve Nock, acted as lead advisors to Bramble.
Bramble Foods CEO Tony Foster said: “At the heart of Bramble is an unrivalled range of high-quality foods.
“Year-on-year we have increased our food production capabilities and invested in our personalisation service to offer unique bespoke products to our customers.
“LDC is the leading private equity firm in our region and we know our partnership with the team will help us to continue to grow our business into the future.”
Rob Schofield, a partner in LDC’s Midlands team, said: “Tony and his team have unrivalled experience and a real passion for delivering the highest level of service to their customers.
“It’s why Bramble is already one of the market-leading businesses in the sector. We’re excited to be supporting the team to deliver the next stage of their ambitious growth strategy.”
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LDC has a track record of partnerships in the region, having previously backed Tom Joules, founder of Market Harborough-based premium lifestyle brand Joules.
A three-year partnership supported Tom as he built the business to its initial public offering.
The company spokesman said: “LDC was also recently invested in Northampton-based Panther Logistics where Colin McCarthy and his management team created more than 300 new jobs, doubled sales to more than £60million and tripled profits during our partnership.”
Beth Mather at Gateley provided legal advice to LDC, with financial diligence provided by Ed Gray at Cooper Parry and commercial diligence provided by Michael Gell at Hullbrook.
Dan Shilvock at Shoosmiths provided legal advice to Bramble.
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