Background

Headquartered in Brighton, Paladone is the UK’s market-leading designer, innovator and supplier of gifting products, having established strategic licensing partnerships with global brands including Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, PlayStation and Nintendo, alongside its own-label brands. Previously, our Corporate Finance team advised the company on its sale to mid-market Private Equity investor LDC. In addition to the lead sale role, our Debt Advisory team advised LDC on a debt raise of £18 million through PNC to fund the acquisition and provide working capital facilities.

Action

During the three-year partnership with LDC, Paladone has developed into a global omni-channel consumer products company. LDC helped the business grow revenues by more than 65 per cent, and the company now exports to more than 80 countries worldwide, employing 140 people across its offices in the UK, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. In 2021, Paladone’s management appointed our Corporate Finance team to support them through the exit of LDC, and investment by Canadian PE investor, IVEST Consumer Partners, in a secondary management buy-out. The team advised the management team on their reinvestment throughout the transaction and through to completion.

Outcome

IVEST Consumer Partners will now support the next stage of Paladone’s international growth journey as it looks to further expand into the North American market and beyond, growing its online channels, deepening relationships with existing retailers and winning new global licences. Management shareholders reinvested into the business.