Luxury fitted furniture maker Clive Christian Furniture has announced a 100% management buyout, which has been agreed with its shareholders, including majority owner Souter Investments.
The buyout was led by managing director Guy Newton and head of finance and operations Pamela Tennant, with support from David Dare, former owner of Shaws of Darwen and most recently MD of Perrin and Rowe.
Newton will continue as managing director, Tennant will become finance director and company secretary, and Dare will become chairman.
Newton said: “The core strengths and qualities of Clive Christian Furniture Co, together with the investment from the new ownership model, provides a very strong platform for growth and will enable us to deliver on the potential of the brand and meet the expectations of our staff, partners and clients.”
Clive Christian OBE established the luxury cabinet designers and makers in 1978. Forty years later, the company has a London design studio in Mayfair and a manufacturing base in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The company employs more than 50 craftspeople and has 18 design partners and showrooms worldwide.
Newton continued: “I would like to thank Souter Investments and the previous shareholders for their support in recent years and, looking to the future, David Dare for investing in and sharing our belief and passion for craft and skill-based manufacturing in the UK.
“Wood brings warmth to a home and the traditional craft skills that are learned, honed and maintained at Clive Christian Furniture Co will continue to be felt, understood and appreciated by our discerning clients in some of the finest interior spaces across the globe.”
With 10 years as head of Shaws of Darwen, and most recently managing director of Perrin and Rowe, Dare brings with him knowledge of the luxury interiors sector.
Dare said: “Clive Christian Furniture Co brings together the finest materials and traditional artisanal craftsmanship to create the very best in luxury interiors and I am overjoyed to now be a part of this ongoing British success story.
“With a long-spanning career in UK manufacturing, it is a real pleasure to support its continued growth in the North of England, in the very place I call home. However, it is my deep appreciation for handcrafted quality and character that is alighted by this beautiful British brand.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Guy, Pamela and their team to expand and develop the business in the coming months and years.”