KBB furniture manufacturer JJO is under new ownership, with 4D Capital Partners LLP having recently acquired a majority shareholding in the business.
4D is a private equity firm that says it invests in UK businesses which it believes are capable of achieving significant scale. Its decision to become JJO’s majority shareholder was motivated by “the company’s strong reputation, high quality products, loyal and experienced staff, and excellent customer base”.
Matthew Scoffield and Anthony Robinson will now join as JJO’s executive chairman and chief financial officer, respectively. Both are said to be incredibly experienced in operational improvement and manufacturing business expansion, and plan to work closely with the senior management team throughout the transition.
Meanwhile, JJO’s managing director, Stephen Greenhalgh, plans to stay with the business in the short term in order to facilitate a smooth transition. After this, he will remain as a director and significant shareholder in the company in the long term.
According to JJO, no other changes are planned for the rest of the senior leadership team as a result of the investment. JJO has also assured customers that under the new ownership, it remains focused on delivering its products and services to customers, and says there will be a seamless transition to the new owners.
Looking further ahead, JJO has also confirmed that its strategy remains to focus on growth and improving the operational side of its business.
JJO managing director Stephen Greenhalgh said the company was very excited about the investment. He commented: “It gives security to all our stakeholders as the business moves into the next phase of its life. 4D’s investment, hands-on experience and manufacturing knowledge will help the business in its long-standing strategy of growth and operational performance improvement, as evidenced by the many innovations and operational developments JJO has implemented over its 157-year history.”
Last year, JJO also released a carbon calculator tool to provide “cradle-to-gate carbon data” for all of its kitchen products, which it said allows for its retail and trade partners to offer greater transparency and control over the sustainable footprint of their projects.