Iconic British brand, Emma Bridgewater, has secured an £8 million investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) as well as an accompanying £2.5 million debt facility from HSBC.
The ceramics company, which has a manufacturing base in Stoke-on-Trent, intends to use the investment to explore markets in the US and China as well as increase the output of its UK factory.
Michelmores’ Corporate team, led by Partner Richard Cobb, advised Emma Bridgewater on the deal.
Commenting on the investment, Richard Cobb commented:
“It has been a great privilege to help the fantastic team behind such a much-loved and iconic British success story to secure this important investment from BGF and funding from HSBC.”
Richard was supported by Francesca Hubbard, Associate in the Corporate team; Anna Thompson, Senior Associate in the Banking, Restructuring & Insolvency team as well as colleagues from Michelmores’ Commercial, IP, Tax, Employment and Banking teams.
Andrew Browne and Andy Hawkes of Bishop Fleming advised on tax and accounting aspects with Gary Partridge and Thomas Edwards of Lexington advising on corporate finance.
Emma Bridgewater was founded in 1984; its distinctive designs are highly renowned for their colourful style. With a range of home wares, stationery, wallpaper and fabrics made in Staffordshire, the company supports traditional local craft skills. Last year the business reported revenues of over £20 million.
BGF is the most active investor supporting growing businesses across a range of sectors in the UK and Ireland. Since 2011 BGF has invested £2.1bn in close to 300 businesses.
