Silverwood Brands purchases stake in Lush

Investment firm Silverwood Brands has purchased a 19.8% stake in Lush for £216.8 million.

The company will use the acquisition as a platform for further expansion into consumer businesses, with a focus on health and beauty, specialty foods and other consumer focused brand sectors. The investment represents a "significant addition" to the Silverwood portfolio of brands, which includes Balmonds and Nailberry.

Silverwood intends to hold its stake in Lush for the long-term and will provide an opportunity for Lush customers to invest in the British brand and "reap the benefits of their support".

Paul Hodgins, Non-Executive Director of Silverwood, said: “Lush is a British success story with a well-established brand and defined global footprint. We think there is considerable potential to meet strong growth targets in the future and are excited about the opportunities worldwide.

"This acquisition provides a solid platform for Silverwood to continue expanding its portfolio of fast-growing consumer brands. As entrepreneurs ourselves with significant expertise in building leading brands, we bring long-term, highly-engaged and supportive British growth capital to our portfolio while creating value for our own rapidly growing shareholder base.”

Earlier this year, Lush strengthened its commitment to retail growth across the UK and Europe, investing £7.6 million in new shops, relocations and redesigns.