Our deep industry knowledge, global perspective and relationships make us a trusted advisor to leading consumer companies and investors

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised on the sale of a majority shareholding in Planet Organic, the UK’s leading independent retailer of natural and organic products, to Inverleith LLP, a specialist investor in high growth consumer businesses.

‍

Established in 1995, Planet Organic generates over £30 million in revenue through seven London stores that offer grocery, health & bodycare and food-to-go products in an engaging, experiential environment as well as via a rapidly growing ecommerce business.

‍

Planet Organic intends to utilise funds raised as part of the transaction to accelerate growth through further store roll-out focused on the London area, bringing the latest in wellbeing trends to a wider customer base.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised on the sale of T S Bloor & Sons Ltd, one of the UK’s leading quality ham producers, to Karro Food Group, the leading supplier of British pork to the retail, trade and foodservice industries, and a portfolio investment of CapVest.

‍

Established for more than 100 years, TS Bloor & Sons offers an extensive range of matured, traditionally crafted hams which are roasted, steamed or simmered the old-fashioned way in open water. Following a £6.5m investment in a state-of-the-art 37,000 sq ft factory in Leicestershire, the company currently cooks up to 13,000 hams a week in British Retail Consortium approved premises.

Bombas is a leading and rapidly growing digitally-native brand focused on apparel basics that revolutionized the modern sock, designing an offering that delivers premium performance, unparalleled comfort, and timeless style. The company’s core strategy revolves around a socially conscious giving model, comprised of donating one pair of socks to a homeless shelter for each pair of socks it sells.

‍

The company was founded in 2011 by Dave Heath, Randy Goldberg, Aaron Wolk, and Andrew Heath with a focus on socks to “support the hustle in everyone.” Since appearing on Shark Tank in 2014, Bombas has grown rapidly and profitability, with best-in-class e-commerce and customer metrics.

‍

In 2017, Bombas engaged The Sage Group to explore its strategic options as result of inbound interest from a wide variety of investors. Ultimately, the company selected Great Hill Partners, an e-commerce and technology private equity fund based in Boston, as the winning bidder and completed a sale of 52% in 2018. Since the sale, Bombas has expanded into wholesale and extended its product offering to include two new categories, t-shirts and underwear.

With a heritage in speciality nut butters, Meridian has experienced transformational growth in recent years, driven by an on-trend proposition that offers premium, natural nut butters free from palm oil to customers in the UK and internationally. In turn, the UK nut butter market, estimated to be worth £120m, is growing at c.20% annually as more consumers enter the category and eat nut butters across a range of usage occasions. Meridian’s vertically integrated business model has enabled an excellence in innovation and the development of exciting new products such as a cocoa & hazelnut spread and a range of nut-based snack bars.

‍

Rocks is a premium, organic drinks brand with a 35-year heritage that continues to outperform the UK market. Rocks’ products resonate with consumers looking to avoid artificial sweeteners and seeking clean-label, organic products without compromising on taste.

‍

Spayne Lindsay advised the shareholders on the transaction, having begun the search for a partner to help them achieve their plans for the business in 2017. Following discussions with a variety of potential investors, SHS Group was selected as the preferred partner, whose strengths and values were best aligned with those of 3V.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised Freshcut Foods, a market leading outsource supplier of premium chilled food components, on its sale in a management buyout backed by Perwyn.

‍

Freshcut supplies added value vegetables, fruits and carbohydrates into a diverse and growing base of food manufacturer and food service customers in the UK. The business is deeply integrated into the supply chain of its customers, offering a highly flexible service to meet customer requirements delivered through its best in class service levels and product innovation capabilities. The Company has approximately 250 employees across two manufacturing facilities in Beeston, Nottingham.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised on the strategic investment in Meadow Foods, the UK’s largest independently owned dairy group and leading supplier of added value ingredients to the food industry, by Exponent Private Equity, one of the UK’s leading private equity firms.

‍

For 25 years, Meadow Foods has built strong relationships with both farmers and customers, to become a leading supplier of milk and dairy ingredients to the food industry. With a network of over 650 producers, they supply more than 100,000 tons of dairy ingredients per year, from three UK factories to food manufacturers and foodservice customers.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised on the acquisition of Seabrook Crisps Ltd (‘Seabrook’), the iconic Yorkshire crisp brand, by Calbee (UK) Ltd, the UK subsidiary of $2.3bn Japanese global snack company, Calbee Inc.

‍

Established in 1945, Seabrook is an iconic crisp brand producing a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks, from its headquarters in Bradford where it employs 160 people. Today it produces more than 250 million bags of crisps a year, which are enjoyed by consumers worldwide having successfully entered new markets including the United Arab Emirates, China, France, Spain and Australia.

BH Cosmetics is a rapidly growing and globally recognized color cosmetic business, known for its value-oriented selection and collaborations with well-known digital influencers and online personalities. The Los Angeles based company offers a full suite of high-quality color cosmetics including products for the face, lips, eyes, brows as well as brushes and accessories.

‍

Since the launch in 2009 by Fred Sadovskiy, Kirill Trachtenberg, and Robert Sefaradi, the company has gained a worldwide following through its advanced e-commerce platform with proven capabilities in customer acquisition, consumer engagement, and customer loyalty. BH Cosmetics has leveraged its position as a digital-first brand to build an engaging social following catering to the Millennial and Gen-Z consumers and redefined how beauty companies interact with customers.

BH Cosmetics chose to partner with MidOcean Partners, a New York based private equity firm known for its tremendous resources and success in building branded consumer products platforms.

Founded in 2003 by Alyson Hogg, Vita Liberata was the first completely non-toxic tanning brand combining cutting-edge skin chemistry with highly potent organic botanicals. The Company’s products harness the potency and efficacy of a proprietary AdvoganicTM Technology to create odorless products free from parabens perfume, and alcohol using ingredients that are natural, certified organic, and Ecocert.

‍

The UK-based company sells at premium retailers in the US and Europe, including Sephora and Boots, as well as in more than 26 countries worldwide. The brand is the self-tanner of choice for the world’s top spas, including George V Paris, St. Regis, Viceroy, Ritz-Carlton, and Burj Al Arab.

‍

In late 2016, the Company and its investor partner, Dublin-based Broadlake, engaged The Sage Group to serve as the exclusive financial advisor for the M&A transaction. Vita Liberata chose Crown Laboratories, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology, and backed by Hildred Capital Partners.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised YO! Sushi, the UK’s leading fast casual Japanese restaurant group, on its acquisition of Bento Sushi, the largest sushi company in Canada. YO! Sushi is backed by Mayfair Equity Partners.

‍

Bento Sushi started business in 1996 in downtown Toronto as a small takeaway shop selling sushi, bento boxes and other ready-to-eat foods. A rapid expansion followed and continues to this day, transforming Bento Sushi into the largest sushi company in Canada with over 540 locations spread across all ten provinces and several states in the United States. The business now operates on-site sushi kiosks in grocery retail locations, QSR restaurants in food courts, shopping malls, offices and high-street locations and also operates a pre-packaged sushi commissary model served by its own manufacturing supply chain.

‍

Bento Sushi serves more than 20 million sushi customers every year from more than 1,800 locations selling bento products. Bento Sushi has recently launched the Bento Kitchen concept in select locations – a whole new product line focusing on traditional Japanese entrées made hot and fresh to order.

‍

The acquisition of Bento Sushi provides YO! Sushi enhanced scale and expertise in North America across a variety of sushi formats.

Founded by famed hairstylist Oribe Canales, with Daniel Kaner and Tevya Finger of Luxury Brand Partners, Oribe Hair Care combines 10+ years of styling heritage to deliver performance-rooted products with world class innovation. The Company has grown from a prestige haircare brand into a global beauty authority that offers hair care, skincare, body care, make-up, tools, and accessories.

‍

Oribe was one of the first premium haircare brands to transcend channel boundaries, effectively spanning a market-leading footprint of 2,000 high-end salons, as well as luxury retailers and e-tailers. Blending innovative formulations, top‐performing products, award‐winning packaging, and unparalleled education, Oribe has become a renowned beauty authority for experienced stylists and taste‐driven consumers alike.

‍

Oribe received substantial inbound interest from strategic buyers while working with The Sage Group. The Company ultimately completed the transaction with Kao Corporation, a global beauty and consumer goods company based in Japan. The business will continue to be operated under current management.

alice + olivia is a preeminent designer, marketer, wholesaler, and retailer of women’s apparel and accessories. Founded in 2002 by Stacey Bendet, the designer started the company with the inspiration of dressing women for all aspects of her life. The Company is globally recognized for its aspirational luxury and colorful representations of dressing as a form of personal expression. A convergence of playful sophistication and bold femininity with a rock and roll spirit, alice + olivia’s design aesthetic is in part distinguished by its use of adventurous prints, embroidery, romantic embellishments, vibrant colors, and modern feminine silhouettes.

‍

alice + olivia has a strong celebrity base including stars Gwyneth Paltrow and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The Company has a wide distribution footprint with 35 boutiques and more than 800 wholesale accounts in 50 countries. alice + olivia’s website is operated out of the U.S. and fulfills e-commerce orders worldwide.

‍

alice + olivia engaged The Sage Group in mid-2016 to explore strategic alternatives. The Company received significant interest and ultimately decided on a minority sale to SK Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised L Catterton, one of the largest and most experienced consumer-focused private equity groups in the world, on its minority stake acquisition in Innis & Gunn, one of the UK’s most successful international craft brewers.

‍

Founded in Scotland in 2003, Innis & Gunn has grown to be the No. 2 craft brewer in the UK off-trade, No.1 imported craft beer in Canada and No. 2 in Sweden, and exports to over 28 countries. Expansion in the past two years has seen the successful opening of four Beer Kitchens in Scotland, and has established the brewer’s home for barrel-ageing and innovation at the new Innis & Gunn Brewery in Perth.  Innis & Gunn group turnover increased by 22% to more than £14.3m in 2016.

Cornpoppers was established in 1979 and is a privately owned business, supplying branded and private-label popcorn products to retailers and wholesalers. Among its branded range are three cinema-style popcorns, as well as specialty flavours such as jalape�o, chilli and lemon, and maple syrup.This acquisition follows on from Kettle Chips� acquisition of Metcalfe�s skinny last year and represents their continued commitment to the popcorn category, one of the fastest growing snacking categories in the UK.

Los Angeles-based Paige is a highly differentiated brand of lifestyle apparel and accessories for both men and women. Launched in 2004, Paige’s experienced management team has led the company’s development from its denim heritage into one of the most recognized lifestyle brands in the global aspirational luxury markets. The brand’s distinct concept interlaces down-to-earth attitude with sophistication, which is brought to light through edgy, yet effortless designs.

Alongside its curated distribution at high-end specialty boutiques, the company holds a dominant position in the world’s premium department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s in the U.S. and international shopping destinations such as Harrods and Selfridges. The company is also driving tremendous growth and success in its direct-to-retail assets, including its portfolio of company-owned retail stores and a fast-growing e-commerce site.

The Sage Group was engaged by Paige to pursue the sale of the company. Ultimately, Paige selected Lion Capital, a consumer-focused private equity firm known for its international expertise. This transaction marks Sage’s second engagement with the company, as the firm also advised the Paige founders on their transaction with TSG Consumer Partners in 2012.

‍

‍

Promise, based in Donegal, Ireland and founded in 2011, has experienced rapid growth domestically in Ireland and internationally in markets including the UK, US and Australia under its retail brands: ‘Promise Gluten Free’ and ‘PureBred Gluten Free’. Promise mixes the best natural ingredients using a unique process to deliver gluten free baked goods with unparalleled nutritional value and award-winning taste and texture that is comparable to traditional bread.

‍

Promise’s products are available across the UK, US and Australia with placements at retailers including Costco, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ShopRite, Sobeys, SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, Spar and Woolworths.

‍

The business has won a number of industry awards including Irish Exporters Association Food and Drink Exporter of the Year, multiple Great Taste Awards, Product of the Year in Canada and Australia, and Free From Foods Award (UK).

Matilda Jane is a leading designer and provider of specialty apparel and accessories for girls, babies, tweens, and women. Founded in 2002 by Matilda Jane, the designer wanted to create a brand with a mission of “keeping a little girl, a little girl.” The brand embodies the spirit and imagination of childhood through playful designs and silhouettes through textures, patterns, and colors.

‍

The company’s unique distribution is mainly comprised of selling its products through a network of Trunk Keepers, in-home events across the 50 states. The trunk shows provide the customers with a unique shopping experience where groups of friends can try on the clothes in a party-like environment.

‍

In January 2016, Matilda Jane hired The Sage Group to explore M&A opportunities. The company ultimately decided to recapitalize with Webster Capital, a Massachusetts-based private equity firm with investments in branded consumer and healthcare services industries.

Velvet is a leading contemporary apparel business known for their signature brand “Velvet by Graham and Spencer.” Co-founded in 1977 by design partners Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer and CEO Henry Hirschowitz as an aspiration to create a fashion forward T-shirt that embodies the laid-back California attitude. Today the brand has evolved into full collections recognized for their meticulously crafted, clean staples for both men and women

‍

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Velvet has retail stores in the U.S. and in the U.K., along with a fast growing e-commerce site and a strong presence through premium department stores and high-end specialty stores both in the U.S. and abroad. The brand has attracted trendsetters since its inception and has collaborated with in the past with supermodels and celebrities.

‍

Velvet selected The Sage Group to explore M&A opportunities in the market. In 2017, Velvet completed the sale to Adastria, a publicly-traded apparel company in Japan which owns over 1,400 retail stores and 21 brands including apparel, lifestyle, and restaurants

Reflex Nutrition was founded 20 years ago by James Phillips and has developed into a leading sports nutrition brand. The business operates from a state of the art manufacturing facility in Brighton and employs 70 people.

The brand offers a broad range of sports nutrition products including protein powders, convenience bars and drinks, and vitamins, minerals and supplements in capsule format.

The brand has experienced impressive growth in export markets in recent years as it leverages its integrated supply chain and premium brand positioning.

‍

WCPC, the UK based Food-To-Go Pasty chain, operates 53 owned and franchised units across travel, high street and sports locations. The acquisition of WCPC presents an opportunity for Samworth Brothers to build on their strong foundation in premium savoury pastry retail products with an ‘on-the-go’ route to market.

Montreal-based APP Group is the owner of two extremely successful and highly differentiated outwear brands: Mackage and SOIA & KYO. Mackage is one of the most admired luxury contemporary brands in North America, known for its cult-worthy outerwear and meticulously designed accessories. Mackage is distributed in more than twenty counties and sold through the most prominent retailers in North America including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, and Aritzia, as well as other global retailers such as Harrods and Luisa Via Roma.

‍

Focused on the mid-level contemporary market and with a belief that beauty is found in simplicity, SOIA & KYO creates masterful outerwear that is luxurious in its materials and has a modern, timeless signature style that speaks for itself. The brand has a strong mid-level positioning with major accounts including Nordstrom, Hudson’s Bay, Macy’s, and Simons.

‍

The APP Group engaged The Sage Group to advise it on strategic alternatives. The transaction closed in February 2017 with APP Group selling a controlling stake to New York-based Lee Equity Partners and its brand platform, InterLuxe, which seeks to partner with rapidly growing fashion and luxury brands.

Founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Terry and Belinda Williams, Yorkshire Provender is the UK’s leading premium soup manufacturer, selling into a broad range of major grocery retailers, independents and foodservice operators.

‍

Differentiated through its use of high quality seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Yorkshire Provender has sustained exceptional category-leading growth over the past three years, with a purpose-built manufacturing facility opened in 2015 enabling ambitious future growth plans.

‍

The acquisition complements Hain’s existing soup portfolio, including the New Covent Garden and Cully & Sully brands, with the combined infrastructures supporting accelerated NPD and increased distribution across the UK and Europe.

‍

Fazer is an international family-owned company with net sales of 1.6 billion euros (2016) and nearly 15,000 employees, offering quality bakery, confectionery, biscuit and grain products as well as food and café services. Fazer operates in eight countries and exports to around 40 countries. Fazer’s mission is ‘Food with a purpose’. Froosh will be part of Fazer Lifestyle Foods which was established in the spring of 2017 to further boost Fazer’s response to emerging consumer needs within the areas of health, well-being and sustainable lifestyles. This business are focuses on non-dairy products, plant-based meals and on-the-go food and drinks.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised on the sale of Karro Food Group (�Karro� or the �Business�), the leading supplier of British pork to the retail, trade and foodservice industries, to CapVest Partners LLP. The deal, which was announced on the 27 March 2017, was subject to the approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland and this was received on the 24 April 2017. The Business was heavily loss making when Endless acquired it in January 2013 from Dutch food conglomerate Vion. Endless and the Karro management team successfully transformed the group into a highly profitable, well-respected and leading player in the domestic and international pork market. Spayne Lindsay is proud to have been involved with advising the Business from the time of the acquisition until its exit. Karro has turnover in excess of �550 million, operates from seven sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and now employs over 3,100 people. It has received widespread industry recognition for its outstanding performance in recent years.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised H2 Equity Partners (“H2”) on the sale of Hancocks Holdings (“Hancocks”), the UK’s leading confectionery specialist with approximately £150 million sales, to Innovative Bites (“IB”).

‍

Having acquired the business from the Hancocks family in November 2012, Hancocks has evolved significantly under H2’s ownership. Developing Hancocks’ breadth of services and routes to market has been accelerated through the acquisition of JTS (2014), UK Sweets (2015) and Bobby’s (2016). Today it supplies a broad range of customers via its network of 20 cash & carry depots, a direct distribution business servicing multiple retailers, its own van sales fleet and two online platforms.

‍

IB is a leading importer and wholesaler of American food products. Hancocks is a highly strategic acquisition for IB with the combined group selling to over 40,000 customers.

Oatly is a pioneer in the Swedish foodtech industry with a patented enzyme technology that turns oats into a range of natural and sustainable high-fibre dairy-free products including oat drinks, breakfast and energy drinks, yoghurts, spreads, cooking ingredients and ice-cream. With its unique technology, Oatly empowers consumers to eat in a healthy, ethical and environmentally-friendly way.

‍

Oatly is Scandinavia’s leading brand of plant-based, dairy-free products, with a c.40% market share in Sweden and has huge momentum with sales in more than 20 countries worldwide.

‍

Spayne Lindsay advised the shareholders and company on the transaction. After a detailed process to explore strategic options, they have decided to partner with a joint venture between Verlinvest and China Resources to further accelerate and invest in Oatly’s global expansion. Both companies have a wealth of experience in developing high-growth, innovative lifestyle brands in large international markets.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a leading organic and natural products company with operations in North America, Europe and India providing consumers with A Healthier Way of Life, today announced the acceptance by the Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") of Hain Celestial's undertaking to sell its own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice business including the related Headcorn facility and the approved sale of the business to Multiple Marketing Ltd.  The own-label juice business generated approximately $20 million in net sales for year ended June 30, 2016.

"We are excited to receive the acceptance of our undertaking to sell our own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice business from the CMA.  Under Hain Celestial United Kingdom we look to expand our presence in the on-trend fresh category with prepared fruit, drinks and desserts under the leadership of James Skidmore, Chief Executive Officer," said Irwin D. Simon, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial.  

"With the completion of the CMA review, we expect to deliver sales and operating efficiencies with the integration of Orchard House into Hain Celestial United Kingdom and seek new product development in cold pressed juice and branded fruit product offerings in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe."

On December 22, 2015, Hain Celestial announced the acquisition by Hain Celestial United Kingdom, through one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, of Orchard House Foods Limited ("Orchard House"), a leader in prepared fruit, juices, fruit desserts and ingredients with facilities in Corby and Gateshead in the United Kingdom.  On May 17, 2016, the CMA announced that the acquisition gave rise to a loss of competition and would be referred to a more in-depth review unless an acceptable undertaking was offered to address the concern.

Miura took a majority stake in the business and partnered with the founding families Martinavarro and Ballester, as well as the management team, to undertake an organic and inorganic growth plan with the aim of reinforcing its leadership in Europe, consolidating its offer in the Spanish market, expanding the product range, entering new countries and guaranteeing the supply of a quality product 12 months a year.

This acquisition is in line with Swallowfield’s strategy to build a sustainable, higher margin business and provides a transformational opportunity for Swallowfield to bring critical mass to its ‘owned brand’ portfolio. At the same time, the acquisition also adds a proven, experienced London-based brand management team which will serve as an important platform for both future organic growth and M&A activity.

Operating from a purpose built facility in Barnsley, Fresh-Pak is the UK’s largest supplier of deli fillings, with a broadening product portfolio that includes dips and innovative egg products.

‍

Fresh-Pak has a diverse customer base including all of the UK’s leading grocers and has grown substantially in both size and profitability under the ownership of Jaguar Capital, who acquired the business in 2008.

‍

The management team, led by Keith Foreman, will remain with the business under Sun European’s ownership.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised Diamond Foods, one of the US and UK’s leading snack food companies with the well-known KETTLE®, Diamond of California® and Pop Secret® brands, on its acquisition of a minority shareholding in Metcalfe’s skinny from its founders.

‍

Metcalfe’s skinny was co-founded in 2009 by Robert Jakobi and Julian Metcalfe, who also co-founded the Pret A Manger and Itsu food dining chains, to meet the need for healthy but tasty alternatives to traditional snacks. Since launching into the popcorn category, the brand has expanded quickly from ready-to-eat premium popcorn into popcorn crisps, popcorn thins and ricecakes, and is one of the fastest growing popcorn brands in the sector with 67% year-on-year growth to September 2015 (as per Nielsen data).

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised Equistone Partners Europe on the acquisition of Gaucho Holdings Limited, the UK’s leading multi-brand steak-led restaurant group, from Intermediate Capital Group.

‍

Gaucho Holdings Limited includes both the Gaucho and CAU brands. Gaucho is a well-established premium steak-led brand with 16 restaurants, including sites in Hong Kong and Dubai. CAU is a fast growing upper-casual Argentine dining brand with 17 sites, including 1 in Amsterdam.

‍

The group was founded in 1994 by Zeev Godik, who continues to lead the business today.

J.McLaughlin is a designer, marketer, and multi-channel retailer of American sportswear with classic appeal and modern styles. Founded in 1977 by brothers Ken and Jay McLaughlin, the brand designs apparel and accessories for men and women with an emphasis on impeccable craftsmanship and timeless American tradition of sport, work, and play. Their vision was to create a new American sportswear brand based in New York and built on several basic concepts: classic clothes with current relevance and sold in a friendly retail environment that has a neighborhood feel.

‍

The Brooklyn-based company operates in 103 retail locations along the Eastern seaboard, Midwest, Texas, and California as well as a rapidly growing e-commerce business. True to their vision of the McLaughlin brothers, the stores have a warm residential feel with exemplary customer service. “Being a good neighbor” is central to the brand’s approach to business, and J.McLaughlin values being a welcome and active member of each community in which it operates.

‍

The Sage Group was engaged by J.McLaughlin ownership to pursue a second sale of the company. Ultimately, J.McLaughlin selected Brentwood Associates for their experience in both the DTC and retail channels that will become a unique source for the brand’s growth.

If you are interested to understand more about this transaction, then please contact us and a member of the team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce that it has advised Exponent Private Equity on the sale of Quorn Foods, one of the most exciting sustainable food companies in the world, to Monde Nissin Corporation for a consideration of £550 million. The strength of Spayne Lindsay’s consumer-focused international network helped it to identify and introduce Monde Nissin, a leading consumer goods company in the Philippines, as an attractive buyer that was prepared to pre-empt the sale process.

‍

The origins of Quorn Foods go back to the 1960s when mycoprotein, the ingredient unique to Quorn Foods, was first identified. The business went through a number of owners before being acquired by Exponent Private Equity (advised by Spayne Lindsay) from Premier Foods in 2011 for £205 million. Under Exponent’s ownership and the current management’s stewardship, Quorn has become one of the UK’s fastest growing food brands and the clear market leader in meat substitutes in the UK. The company has built a rapidly growing international business, currently selling into 15 countries globally, and has ambitions to be the world leader in meat alternatives.

Incase Designs is a designer and manufacturer of bags and accessories centered on the lifestyles of individuals who create on the Apple device platform. Founded in 1997 by industrial designers from Nike and IDEO, Incase has a multi-dimensional offering in material, form factor, construction, method, style, organization, and function. The Company’s products are known for being clean, classic, and consistent in its design aesthetic and approach.

‍

Incase’s brand reputation continues to grow with constant collaborations with key brands and influencers in music, street, and art culture. Incase products are sold in major retailers such as Apple, Best Buy, Target, Guitar Center, REI, Sports Chalet, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The Company has been number one in the market share for bags and cases for Apple notebooks in the U.S.

‍

Incase engaged The Sage Group for a second time to pursue a sale of the company. The Company selected to partner with Incipio Technologies, a growing developer of cases, electronic accessories, and wireless speakers based in Orange County, California.

Based in Los Angeles, A.L.C. is a ready-to-wear collection of modern womenswear. Founded in 2009, designer Andrea Lieberman debuted her collection of essentials through sophisticated, yet considered pieces that celebrate the notion of casual luxury, sartorial convenience, value, and versatility. In spring 2014, Lieberman launched her handbag collection.

‍

A.L.C. has been recognized as a leader in advanced contemporary design. The collection continues to be a top performer at leading retailers, including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Intermix, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and Matchesfashion.com. A.L.C. engaged The Sage Group to explore investment opportunities. In August 2015, A.L.C. chose to partner with InterLuxe, a portfolio company of Lee Equity Partners. Together, A.L.C. and InterLuxe will focus on management and infrastructure developments as well as open retail stores and expand into e-commerce.

funkin was founded in the late 1990s by Alex Carlton and offers a broad range of cocktail mixing solutions including fruit purees, cocktail mixers and syrups. Current CEO, Andrew King, joined funkin in 2006 and helped the business achieve rapid sales growth (to c.£9 million) and brand leadership in the UK on-trade cocktail market. funkin is well placed to capitalise on the growing cocktail market as its products enable outlets including bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to provide high quality, innovative cocktails efficiently and consistently for consumers. Although primarily UK based, funkin has an increasing presence in the US and Continental Europe where the cocktail markets are also quickly evolving.

Yellow Chips is a Netherlands based manufacturer of high quality vegetable and organic potato crisps. It manufactures a range of private label products and also markets its products in Europe under its own premium brand, Go Pure. The business is already Diamond Foods’ chosen supplier for KETTLE® branded vegetable crisps and this acquisition will broaden Diamond Foods’ offering in this fast-growing, on-trend category in the UK and Europe. Following the acquisition, Yellow Chips’ founders and existing management team, Vincent van Gorkom, Maarten Brouwer and Jesse Lam will continue to operate the company as an independent subsidiary.

‍

Vincent van Gorkom, one of the founders of Yellow Chips and a member of its management team commented:

“We’ve been working closely with Diamond over the past several months, and we’re excited to join the team. We will benefit from Diamond’s scale, marketing expertise, and distribution network, and look forward to expanding awareness of our products and increasing market penetration in the UK and Europe.”

‍

‍

My Goodness, established in 2003 in London by Stuart Jeffreys and Jeremy Martin, predominantly trades under the For Goodness Shakes brand. Today, it offers a broad range of dairy based protein drinks which are widely available through supermarkets in addition to specialist sports and leisure outlets across the UK. From being trialled by athletes in the Beijing Olympics, For Goodness Shakes has gone on to be one of Britain’s biggest selling recovery and protein ready to drink brands and it will provide Aurivo with significant access to the growing sports nutrition / protein drinks and snacks market in the UK and Ireland. Post-acquisition, the business will continue to be managed and led by its existing leadership team.

GLAMGLOW is a fast-growing and highly profitable prestige skincare brand focused on fast-acting mud-based treatment masks designed to deliver stunning and camera-ready results. The GLAMGLOW product collection is positioned as “sexy, innovative, and fun” and developed for men and women of all ages and skin types.

‍

Founded in 2010 in Hollywood, California by Shannon and Glenn Dellimore, GLAMGLOW started as “Hollywood’s Boutique Secret” on Hollywood sets to provide an immediate and healthy glow for actors. Since then, the Company rapidly grew its global distribution primarily through flagship retailer partners including Sephora in the US and abroad, as well as high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s.

‍

Having received substantial inbound interest since its early days, GLAMGLOW engaged The Sage Group in early 2014 to explore strategic alternatives. Estée Lauder outbid the other suitors and, upon entering exclusivity, collaborated with the co-founders to develop a detailed and strategic five-year plan.

‍

Nanette Lepore is a premier designer brand of upscale womenswear, shoes, handbags, and bathing suits. The New York-based company was founded in 1992 by Nanette Lepore and her husband, Robert Savage, and has since become one of the most recognizable names in American fashion. The Company has gained a loyal following including celebrities like Blake Lively, Carrie Underwood, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. The brand is sold primarily through North American retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Macy’s as well as its standalone stores in New York, Las Vegas, and Boston.

‍

The Sage Group advised Nanette Lepore and initiated the transaction with Bluestar Alliance. The partnership will focus on expanding into new licensed categories and markets. Nanette Lepore and Robert Savage will continue to operate the business

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shows purchased with a pair of shoes given to a child in need. Since then, TOMS shoes has become a highly profitable and socially-conscious foot, apparel and accessories business built around One for One® promise to help a person in need for every purchase. In addition, TOMS Eyewear gives sight to a person in need with every pair of eyewear purchased, and TOMS Roasting Co. gives one week of clean water to a person in need for every bag of coffee purchased.

‍

Having known Blake Mycoskie since the early days of founding TOMS, The Sage Group advised the Company in its sale to Bain Capital, having managed a targeted and competitive M&A process that entailed extensive interest from the most prominent strategic buyers and investment funds internationally. Bain Capital agreed to purchase 50% of TOMS with Blake Mycoskie continuing as visionary of the Company. Together, TOMS and Bain will continue the tradition of matching investments that give back to the community through a new charitable endeavor.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce the acquisition of Soreen by Samworth Brothers (“Samworths”) for an undisclosed amount. Spayne Lindsay acted as corporate finance advisor to Samworths on the transaction.

‍

Soreen is a unique branded business producing a famous bakery range of malt and fruit loaf and snacking products and can be found on the shelves of all the UK’s high street supermarkets. The business manufactures products from a high quality site in Manchester. The sticky and squidgy loaves are the UK’s favourite malt loaf, made to a top secret recipe and loved by the nation.

Aromatherapy Associates, which was founded in 1985, is a leading global brand of aromatherapy and skincare products. It has strong British heritage and has a footprint in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. Aromatherapy Associates’ Co-Founder and President, Geraldine Howard, will continue to lead the business.

‍

B&B Investment Partners is the manager of a newly formed private equity fund backed by Alliance Boots and led by Chris Britton and Jean-Philippe Barade. Chris was previously CEO of Findus and non-executive Chairman of Ella’s Kitchen, whilst Jean-Philippe was previously a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Principal at Permira.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to have advised B&B Investment Partners on this inaugural investment. Spayne Lindsay is an independent advisory firm providing specialist advice to companies in the international Consumer sector. We aim to bring together people, capital and opportunities including, inter alia, buy-side and sell-side mergers & acquisitions, management buyouts, divestments and co-investment.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce the acquisition of a majority stake in Whitworths by Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”). Spayne Lindsay acted as corporate finance advisor to Equistone on this transaction. The acquisition values Whitworths at £90m.

‍

Whitworths is the UK’s largest supplier of dried fruit, nut and seed products, with approximately 30% market share in its category. The category has grown impressively through the economic downturn, achieving 7% growth per annum, as the popularity of healthier food alternatives and home baking continues to increase. In the year to April 2013, the Company generated total sales of £157.3m.

‍

Equistone’s investment will be used to support further development of the product range to address new usage occasions, such as out of home snacking, and to develop further Whitworths’ growing branded proposition, under multiple brands, as well as providing scope to acquire complementary businesses.

‍

Equistone is one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity managers and has made several previous investments in the food sector, most recently Charles & Alice, a well-known French manufacturer of fruit desserts. Equistone’s acquisition of Whitworths marks its 14th investment from Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV.

LDC, a UK-based mid-market private equity firm, has backed the capital replacement of Fever-Tree, a London, UK-based tonic water and mixers brand, valuing the company at £48m.

The company intends to use the procedds from the investment to strengthen the brand’s presence in the UK and Spain, accelerate expansion into the US and in other countries.

Co-founded in 2005 by Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow, Fever-Tree is an upmarket mixer drinks company, which already present in 35 countries world-wide. It recently launched in Japan, Germany and Columbia.

In conjunction with the investment, Daniel Sasaki, Managing Director of LDC’s London investment team and Bertie Aykroyd, Investment Director, will join Fever-tree’s board.

‍

‍

Zertus, a family-owned business based in Hamburg, Germany, owns several niche food businesses including Dextro Energy and Kalfany confectionery. Zertus is led by Chief Executive Jörn Riemer who commented that “the Directors of Zertus view Zetar as a particularly well-managed confectionery and snacks business with leading positions in the UK and Ireland. We are impressed by Zetar’s proven track record for innovation and brand building and are excited about the prospect of jointly expanding our enlarged portfolio of products to new markets.”

‍

Zertus was introduced to Spayne Lindsay by our German M&A partner, Ferber & Co

‍

Zetar is a leading manufacturer of confectionery and natural snacks with turnover of £128 million in the year to 30^th April 2012. It has strong relationships with all major UK food retailers and many global media brand licensors. Zetar has been listed on AIM since January 2005.

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to announce the sale of Clipper Teas (the “Company”), the Dorset-based supplier of Organic and Fairtrade teas, to Royal Wessanen nv, the listed Dutch health food company. Spayne Lindsay advised FF&P, the seller, on the sale. Founded in 1984, Clipper is an instantly recognisable brand in the UK with a product portfolio stretching across the tea, coffee and hot chocolate categories. Turnover for the year ending 31 December 2011 was approximately £16 million. Details of the consideration paid have not been disclosed.

‍

From its factory in Beaminster, Dorset, Clipper Teas supplies customers in the UK grocery and foodservice channels, as well as health food stores and, increasingly, also exports its products internationally. The Company supplies a full range of teas including Everyday, Green, White, Specialties and Infusions. All Clipper products are completely free from any artificial ingredients and the Company’s portfolio includes an entire range of Fairtrade, Organic teas. Its instant and ground coffees are made with Organic and Fairtrade Arabica beans and its hot and drinking chocolate products are also all Organic and Fairtrade. Clipper Teas will be integrated into the existing UK businesses of Wessanen, which currently include Kallo Foods Ltd, which has natural and Organic brands including Kallo and Whole Earth.

Premier Foods announces that it has reached a conditional agreement to sell its sweet spreads and jellies business, including the Hartley’s, Robertson’s, Frank Cooper, Keiller, Gales and Sun-Pat brands, to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. [NASDAQ:HAIN], for a cash and share consideration of £200 million. The sale is subject to approval by Premier Foods’ shareholders and consent from Premier Foods’ banking syndicate and is expected to complete by the end of October 2012.

‍

This sale represents the third divestiture the Group has announced this year following agreement on its new financing arrangements in March 2012, and continues its strategy of prioritising investment behind its Power Brands and divesting selected, non-core businesses.

‍

The sale includes Hartley’s, Britain’s most popular jam and a category leader in jelly-to-make and ready-to-eat jelly, and a portfolio of marmalade brands in Robertson’s, Frank Cooper, Keiller and the licence for Rose’s marmalade. Also included in the sale are Sun-Pat, the leading brand of peanut butter in the UK, Gales, the UK’s number two brand in honey and significant private label and business-to-business sales. The products are predominantly manufactured at the Group’s Histon factory, near Cambridge, which will also be sold to Hain Celestial as part of the agreement. All employees at the site, with the exception of a number of Group employees, are expected to transfer to the buyer following an appropriate consultation process.

‍

‍

Uniq plc (“Uniq” or the “Company), a c.£300 million turnover UK chilled foods player whose customers include Marks & Spencer, underwent an “equity for deficit” restructuring earlier in the year. Angel Street Limited (in Administration) (“Angel Street”), formed in anticipation of the restructuring, took on Uniq’s disproportionately large defined benefit pension deficit in exchange for a 90.2% shareholding in the Company.

‍

As part of the restructuring, Angel Street was placed into administration on 24 March 2011. Keith Hinds and Daniel Taylor, both of Grant Thornton UK LLP, were appointed as joint administrators (the “administrators”). The Trustee to the pension scheme is its sole creditor but the administrators are consulting closely with the Pension Protection Fund.

‍

Angel Street and Uniq appointed Spayne Lindsay in April to run the process to sell the Company. The process attracted interest from a number of food industry players and private equity. Last week a recommended cash offer for Uniq was announced by Greencore, the Irish-listed international convenience foods manufacturer, valuing the issued share capital at approximately £113 million.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to have worked with all parties to help deliver this great result within an ambitious timetable.

Premier Foods announced on the 24th January 2011 the sale of its Meat-free business, Marlow Foods to Exponent Private Equity and Intermediate Capital Group for £205 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis.

‍

The Meat-free business is the UK market leader in the meat alternative segment selling chilled and frozen products under the Quorn and Cauldron brands. Quorn offers a wide range of meat alternative products made from mycoprotein, including mince, burgers, sausages, escalopes, cottage pies, lasagne and snacking products such as picnic eggs. Cauldron is the UK’s No.1 brand in tofu and also produces a range of non-tofu products including falafels, vegetarian sausages and ready meals. Together, Quorn and Cauldron are in a complementary position to address the full spectrum of protein demand among vegetarians and non-vegetarian healthy eaters and meat reducers.

‍

Exponent was founded in 2004 by a long established team to invest in UK mid-market private equity opportunities. Their initial £400m Fund and subsequent £800m Fund have secured commitments from a broad range of the world’s most experienced institutional investors. Exponent seeks to take majority ownership positions in market-leading UKbased businesses in the size range £100-350m, across a range of sectors.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to have introduced the deal to Exponent and advised them on the acquisition of Marlow Foods.

‍

The transaction is conditional upon the consent from both Premier Foods’ lenders and shareholders with completion expected in early March.

Dr Oetker UK has agreed terms to acquire the European frozen pizza business from USA based, The Schwan Food Company (“Schwan’s“). Dr. Oetker is acquiring Schwan’s UK pizza plant based in Leyland, Lancashire, Schwan’s business in 15 European countries, the “Chicago Town” trademark, and licences for the “Freschetta” and “Tony’s” trademarks. Schwan’s plant in Osterweddingen near Magdeburg, Germany is to be acquired by Freiberger Group who have finalised a supply agreement with Dr Oetker to manufacture branded pizza products to sell across Europe.

‍

Dr. Oetker will integrate the Leyland plant into their UK division and will continue production at Leyland. Peter Franks, UK managing director of frozen and chilled foods at Dr Oetker, said: “Dr Oetker is the biggest manufacturer of pizza in Europe and the addition of the Schwan’s portfolio is complementary to our current range of pizzas. We feel that the acquisition creates a complete frozen pizza business, giving us presence in all sectors of the UK’s frozen pizza market and providing us with a UK production base.”

‍

Dr Oetker is one of Germany’s leading privately-owned diversified industrial groups, with strong positions in its core business areas across Europe. Within the food industry, Dr Oetker has developed market leading positions in pizzas, yoghurts and desserts.

‍

Spayne Lindsay advised Dr Oetker on this transaction.

Chilled Foods (UK) Limited (“Chilled Foods”) has acquired Fresh-Pak Chilled Foods Limited (“Fresh-Pak”).

‍

Fresh-Pak is the leading producer of fresh sandwich fillings in the UK. The Business supplies a range of high quality fresh sandwich fillings, pâté and cooked egg products into the UK multiple, retail, foodservice and food manufacturing channels.

‍

Chilled Foods is a newly formed acquisition vehicle backed by Jaguar Capital (“Jaguar”), a Dublin based private equity firm that was founded in 2002. This will be Jaguar’s first investment into the UK food market following prior investments in Ireland. This acquisition is part of Jaguar’s strategy to build a leading UK chilled foods business and has hired Kieran Carolan, formerly of Northern Foods, to lead the team.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is delighted to have advised Jaguar on this transaction.

Spayne Lindsay & Co. LLP is delighted to announce the successful sale of Vitamin Brands Limited (“V Water”) to PepsiCo Holdings.

‍

V Water is a leading brand in a dynamic and growing category. The brand was launched in 2005, and now has a range of six flavours. All products are made with spring water, and have no artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or preservatives. The V Water range contains a number of added vitamins, minerals and herb extracts including Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and Ginseng.

‍

The selling shareholders include the two founders, Chris Coleridge and Walter Faulstroh, a number of seed investors who backed the company in 2004, and Unilever Ventures who invested in 2005.

‍

PepsiCo approached V Water due to its strategic interest in a fast-developing category. The V Water shareholders asked Spayne Lindsay to guide them through the negotiations with PepsiCo, and to secure a price for the business that made sense for all shareholders to accept, at a stage when the business had yet to mature.

‍

We are pleased to have been involved in one of the sector’s most dynamic categories, at the interface between an industry giant and a small, entrepreneurial business with a fantastic brand.

Permira Funds (“Permira”) has acquired the majority of the European Frozen Foods businesses of Unilever plc (the “Business”) for €1.725bn on a debt-free, cash-free basis.

‍

The sale includes the Unilever frozen food operations in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, and comprises the iconic and market leading British and European brands of Birds Eye and Iglo. In 2005, the Business had annual sales of €1.2bn.

‍

The transaction is subject only to regulatory approval and a consultative process with the relevant employee works councils.

‍

Spayne Lindsay jointly advised Permira with Lehman Brothers throughout negotiations. Spayne Lindsay was particularly involved in advising Permira on tactics in this unusually complicated and competitive auction, and provided specialist input to assist Permira evaluate the sector and the opportunity.

‍

The signing of this significant consumer sector deal builds on other recent successes for Spayne Lindsay including the £460m acquisition of Campbell’s UK by Premier Foods, the €425m acquisition of John West by Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking and the €850m buyout of CSM Confectionery by CVC.

Findus AB, the international frozen food business owned by EQT Partners A/S, has sold Findus Ltd to a management buy-in team as part of a disposal programme of non-core assets.

‍

Findus Ltd, the UK operation of Findus AB, produces a range of frozen food products including pasta products, crispy pancakes, prepared meals, pizzas, and recipe dishes for the UK, French and Swedish markets.

‍

Spayne Lindsay advised Findus AB on this transaction, the terms for which were not disclosed

The shareholders of Neal‟s Yard Remedies (“NYR”), led by founder and majority shareholder Romy Fraser, have agreed to the sale of the company to Peter Kindersley and his family for an undisclosed sum.

‍

NYR is a manufacturer and retailer of natural cosmetics, medicines and remedies. The company currently has 24 UK stores (15 owned, 9 franchised), distribution in retail outlets across the UK, a growing mail order business and a successful international business, in particular in Japan. The company moved from its previous manufacturing site in Battersea to a new facility in Gillingham, Dorset, in May last year. NYR has a particularly strong brand in its sector and is renowned for the authenticity and integrity of its products and methods.

‍

Spayne Lindsay & Co. worked closely with the company as it considered its options with regard to a sale. It was strongly felt that, although realising full value for the company was an important requirement, the company should only be sold to a buyer that truly had an affinity with the brand and its values, and a long term view to its development. Romy Fraser also intended to maintain a meaningful stake in the company, as well as a board position.

‍

Spayne Lindsay believed that such partners would most likely come from high net worth individual / family office investor community. Through our network in this area, we quickly established Peter Kindersley as a suitable and interested buyer. Peter Kindersley is a founder and former major shareholder in the publisher Dorling Kindersley, and is now the owner of Sheepdrove Organic Farm, one of the largest organic farms in the UK. His strong support for the natural, organic movement in the consumer sector is also shown through his membership of the Soil Association and his investment in Planet Organic, the chain of London-based organic food stores.

‍

Spayne Lindsay is strategically focused on developing its investment banking activities in the high growth sectors of alternative health and nutrition, specifically targeting „authentic‟ companies led by innovative management teams, which require financial advisory input and expansion capital. The NYR transaction is therefore considered an important franchise-building transaction for the firm.

CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) has acquired the Sugar Confectionery division of CSM NV for €850m. The Sugar Confectionery division of CSM, which shall trade as Leaf, is active across Europe and in Asia, and owns strong brands including Lakerol, Dietorelle, Malaco, RedBand, Sportlife, Jenkki and Lutti. The business achieved sales of €745m in 2004. Following the announcement, CVC formed a partnership with Nordic Capital in the acquisition. CSM Confectionery was one of the largest buyouts in the European Consumer sector in 2005.

Chubbies (or the “Company”), a digital-first brand designing premium casual apparel and activewear for the modern young man’s lifestyle, has been acquired by Solo Stove, a branded outdoor heating and cooking business backed by Summit Partners and Bertram Capital. The Sage Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Chubbies.

‍

Founded in 2011, Chubbies has become an established leader in the casual and active apparel categories, recognized for comfortable and technical clothing. The Company operates through an omni-channel strategy driven by its robust e-commerce platform, and is led by an exceptional, cross-functional management team with deep experience across multiple disciplines.

‍

Evoking a sense of fun, relaxation, and leisure, Chubbies connects with Millennial and Gen-Z males through its authentic, relatable brand voice, and differentiated marketing that promotes the “Friday at 5” feeling every day of the week. As an early mover in social media for men’s apparel, the brand has built a highly engaged and loyal community across social media platforms.

‍

As part of the acquisition, Chubbies’ three operating founders will be installed as senior executives at Solo Stove.

‍

Solo Stove’s recent acquisitions, including Chubbies, Oru Kayak, and ISLE, will form the basis for a new DTC-focused outdoor portfolio called Solo Brands. Solo Brands is a collection of distinctive, adventurous lifestyle brands built around enhancing and creating experiences that form memories and connections to people, places, and the natural world.