Rush Hair and Beauty

Acting as the buy-side adviser, our Corporate Finance team has successfully advised LDC on their investment into Rush, the leading hair and beauty brand. LDC invested £16 million into Rush to support a national rollout programme.

Headquartered in Croydon, Rush comprises 85 salons mainly concentrated in London and the South East with a flagship store in the heart of Piccadilly. A recent regional salon opening programme has taken Rush to other major UK cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and York.

The investment will help accelerate Rush’s national expansion of the brand as the company plans to accelerate the roll out and almost double its salon count over the next four years. To reinforce the brand’s creative reputation, the partnership will also support the opening of Rush’s new Covent Garden academy which will offer industry leading training to stylists. Rush will also invest in Shop Rush, the Group’s online hair and beauty e-commerce platform.

Launched over 22 years ago by hairdressers, Andy Phouli and Stell Andrew, Rush started as a single salon in Wimbledon. The business now generates sales of over £36 million with profit (EBITDA) of over £4 million. It employs over 1,100 stylists and beauticians, opening its doors to over 13,000 customers a week.

The deal was led by the South team of LDC, headed by Managing Director Yann Souillard. Investment Director Chris Baker played a significant role in the transaction. As part of the deal, LDC will acquire a minority shareholding, which will see Investment Directors Alastair Weinel and Tanya Thompson join the board of the business. Legal advice was provided to LDC by Emma Gibson at Shoosmiths.

“Clive and James were a very strong combination who’s detailed buyside support and advice helped us secure, understand and complete this very interesting transaction. They responded well and worked round the clock to get things done. Thanks again.” Alastair Weinel, Investment Director, LDC in the South.