OakNorth has completed a debt finance deal with the UK based hydro shop GroWell, for management buyout and working capital.
The management buyout will be led by Tom Ward, the company’s managing director.
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Founded in 1994, GroWell, which originally started out as a single garden centre based in Solihull, now operates eight separate stores across the UK, as well as two Warwick-based warehouses. Its retail offering includes an extensive range of hydroponic equipment and related products, including nutrients, filtration systems, lighting and complete grow kits. The business has an in-house design team who invent and design own-brand products, as well as a call centre team who provide customer support and product advice.
Tom Ward, managing director of GroWell, said: “I am excited by the future prospects for GroWell. The increased awareness on sustainability and the ability to grow exotic, insecticide free plants 365 days a year in confined spaces is attracting more hobbyists into the sector.
“Despite being a relatively niche sector, OakNorth took the time to understand our business and the high-growth potential of the wider industry. They designed a finance package that will enable us to pursue the next stage of our growth and ensure we have the right team in place to achieve our long term strategic goals.”
Adam Agius, director of debt finance at OakNorth, said: “Hydroponics is an incredibly interesting sector with high-growth potential for the future. Over the last 25 years, GroWell has established itself as the leading retail player in the UK, demonstrating resilience throughout the economic downturn and an ability to continue growing its market share year-on-year.
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By GlobalData“We were impressed by the management team, the business’ strong long-standing relationships with suppliers, and continued focus on product innovation, so are excited to support them with this management buyout. We were also delighted to complete our first transaction with Springboard Corporate Finance in Birmingham who acted as advisors to GroWell.”
OakNorth was advised on the deal by Browne Jacobson LLP.
Last month OakNorth increased its regional presence with the appointment of four senior team members in Manchester, the Midlands and the South West.
Overseeing lending operations in Manchester is Christopher Swarbrick, who joins as a senior director for debt finance from Europa Capital Debt Investment. He will be joined by David Rowlinson who joins from Investec as a director for property finance.
