Knightsbridge negotiated a highly substantial deal for a group of three leading UK companies…
“Great experience… the team were very helpful to us, enabling us to sell our business. Always being there to advise and help us along the journey.”
Our client, the IS Group, is a unique product creator that manufactures beautiful gifts, whether customised or inspired by its dedicated in-house product development team. Is produces a prototype version of its customers’ ideas, before presenting it to them and manufacturing upon satisfaction.
The business operates from a large warehouse in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, with its ownership comprising of no less than 250 shareholders. IS was initially formed as Interflora Services, created in 1979 in a small unit, with even more shareholders than it possesses currently – 444.
Knightsbridge was initially contacted to sell its subsidiary Suki Gifts, a business-to-business wholesaler of plush toys, personalised goods, and giftware operating internationally. Suki was founded as arm to is in 2012, and has since experienced considerable success, becoming an approved supplier for prestigious stores including Merlin, Entertainment UK and Harrods.
As Knightsbridge prepared to go live on the market, the request was made to sell the head limited company as a whole, which includes 2015-founded is sundries – the UK’s largest mail order florist sundries supplier, and Happy Box London – the city’s number one gifting agency and same-day flower provider, which was acquired by is in 2010, having formed in 2005.
The decision to sell up was made to release money for its shareholders, many of which have had investments in the business for decades. The IS group’s long trade history and its bespoke products proved popular amongst buyers in the market, as between each business, a total of ten viewings were conducted, which resulted in two offers.
Also formed in the 1970s, is was acquired by APAC group, led by Owner Roger Mackay who wants to continue the trade. Sold in a highly substantial deal, a factor of the large fee is being put back into the business to facilitate further growth opportunities – as some of its shareholders remain active.
APAC is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of floristry, wedding, party and horticultural products. The company is based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, starting off as a small nursery growing flowers and plants. APAC is now recognised as the leading brand for affordable florist sundries and event decoration in the country.
Its products have been represented by some of the largest retailers in the UK, including Tesco, Asda, M&S, and The Range. The group’s other recognisable brands consist of AP Glassware, Kaleidoscope Party, and Real Life Silks. Teaming up with the IS Group’s range of products will deliver a more comprehensive repertoire of services.
The IS Group Director Neil Warwick described the business’ dealings with Knightsbridge as a “great experience”, further commenting: “the team were very helpful to us, enabling us to sell our business. Always being there to advise and help us along the journey. My contact was Sara Manville who assisted us throughout the whole process.”
Neil concluded his five-star review: “really pleased and would recommend.” The Knightsbridge team extends its thanks to Neil – and wishes the very best of futures to everyone involved with the IS Group and APAC Group (too many to name!).