Carlyle indulges with Lily O'Brien's

The investment was made via its Carlyle Cardinal Ireland fund (CCI), which is focused on investing in small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland. It operates out of offices in London and Dublin and encompasses hedge fund, private equity and real estate investment strategies. The fund was established in 2003 by Nigel McDermott and Nick Corcoran.

The investment will be used to support the company's continued global expansion.

Company
Established in 1992 by Mary Ann O'Brien, Lily O'Brien's sells in 16 countries globally and employs 260 people. The Kildare-based company manufactures high-end chocolates and desserts via its website to high street retailers and airlines.

Sales outside the UK have grown impressively in recent years with 2012 sales in Australia growing by 370% between 2011 and 2012 and US sales increasing 100% in the same period.

People
Robert Easton is managing director of CCI. Mary Ann O'Brien founded the company and will continue to play an active role within Lily O'Brien's.

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• Topics
• Expansion
• UK / Ireland
• Carlyle Group
• Ireland