LDC invests £13m in Paladone

With the fresh capital, Paladone intends to grow its presence in the US market, in addition to eyeing growth opportunities in Australia, Asia and Europe.

The company will continue being led by its management team. As part of the deal, ex-Gresham investor James Barbour-Smith joins as non-executive chairman. LDC's Christian Bruning and Aylesh Patel will join the Paladone board as non-executive directors.

Banking facilities were provided by PNC.

Company
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Brighton, Paladone specialises in the design, development and wholesale supply of licensed and own-brand gifting products. It has established license partnerships with brands such as Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Star Wars and Nintendo. Its own-label brands, Purple Donkey and Scott & Lawson, currently account for 30% of revenues.

The company also operates offices in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, offering a catalogue of around 800 products. It posted revenues of £30m in its last financial year. 

People
LDC – Aylesh Patel (investment manager).
Paladone – Graeme Carr (managing director).

Advisers
Equity – RSM (tax, financial due diligence); CIL (management due diligence); BDO (financial due diligence); Shoosmiths (legal).
Company – Spectrum Corporate Finance (corporate due diligence); Rosenblatt (legal).

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• Topics
• Expansion
• UK / Ireland
• Consumer
• United Kingdom
• LDC