The deal

Acting as the sell-side adviser, our Corporate Finance team has successfully advised the shareholders of Paladone, the UK’s market-leading designer, innovator and supplier of gifting products, on the sale of the company to mid-market Private Equity investor LDC.

Headquartered in Brighton, Paladone specialises in the design, development and wholesale supply of licensed and own brand gifting products. Paladone has established strategic license partnerships with leading global brands including Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Star Wars and Nintendo. Its own-label brands such as Purple Donkey and Scott & Lawson currently account for 30 per cent of revenue.

In addition, the debt advisory team, advised LDC on a debt raise of £18 million through PNC to fund the acquisition and provide working capital facilities. LDCs investment will fuel the business’ global expansion, as it looks to continue its strong growth in the US market, following demand for its products from large retail giants Kohl’s and Target. It is also exploring growth opportunities in Australia, Asia and Europe, as well as investing in its online ecosystem to help increase revenues generated from its website. Paladone will continue to be led by Managing Director Graeme Carr and Commercial Director Yann Le Bouedec, supported by new Finance Director Steve Fleming.

“We are very glad that we chose to work with the team. They took the time to really understand our business and this made all the difference in finding the right partner for us. They were the right choice on every level; from their wealth of experience to the way they are as people.”
Yann Le Bouedec, Commercial Director of Paladone.

“Paladone’s growth over the past few years has been tremendous and its strong relationships with suppliers, brand owners and retailers provide a solid platform to take the business forward. Graeme and Yann were determined to find the right partner who could add value as the business expands internationally and we introduced LDC because of their experience in doing this with numerous portfolio companies. The team looks forward to helping in this development and continuing to work alongside the Paladone team and LDC over the coming years.” Clive Hatchard.