Business To Buy
Internationally Recognised Fabric House |
| London, ---Europe |
Location: London
Asking price: O.I.R.O. £800,000
Inc. Net Assets
of £840,000
Business highlights include:
Year End 2022 Turnover circa £2m
Year End 2022 Gross Profit circa £1.1m
Net assets circa £840,000
Established and well-known Brand with many loyal international customers
The Bluest of Blue Chip customers
Well-run business operations with skilled staff
Strong relations with numerous international brands
Internationally renowned and highly regarded
Ready for investment and development
Discretely famous with significant goodwill
85 years of trading history
60% plus export
Business Profile:
Introduction:
This enduring business & brand name was founded in 1937 and is a high-end decorative fabrics business servicing the luxury residential and hotel markets. It has remained as a British family business while enjoying international success, brand extensions and popularity among premium, niche customers around the world. The company is now considered part of the UK’s design heritage.
The business has a remarkably stable trading history with demand challenging supply on an almost constant basis, making the business a perfect platform to introduce new products and new sales channels.
History:
The business was founded almost 90 years ago as a specialised fabric house and has remained committed to the highest quality of product in for its entire history. The son of the founder can still be found in the offices of the company, ensuring that the company’s legacy for quality & variety stays relevant within what is a modern, high volume, highly competitive, decorative fabrics market.
In the long period of trading that the company has enjoyed, it has acquired and retains around 1,000 commercial customers, agents, distributors and interior designers who would be recognisable as high added-value retailers, seen in almost every capital city in the world and individual customers who would be equally recognisable.
Operations:
The business is managed on a day to day basis by the owner and a financial controller. Key employees are the Director of Sales, Sales Manager USA, Head of Design and Customer Service Supervisor, Warehouse Manager and Financial Controller.
The business operates from a warehouse in West London and a retail showroom in South West London.
The business has a very extensive stock range as well as publishing fabric books which are acquired and displayed by its agents and distributors around the world.
The design studio established in 1986, comprises a talented in-house team who constantly work on new designs for both fabrics and wallpaper. Inspiration is often taken from antique textiles to create timeless classics with a modern twist.
Their skilfully developed collections include exceptional quality upholstery fabrics, velvets and damasks, and they are also particularly well known for their unrivalled collections of Toiles de Jouy designs, moiré fabrics and luxurious crewels. In recent years their contemporary collection has grown to include cutting-edge, textured neutrals and fine embroideries. The in-house design studio enables the company to offer a truly bespoke design service for both domestic and contract markets. As part of this service they can reproduce historic designs for ancestral homes, and also adapt the colours or qualities of its current designs to meet the specifications of an individual project.
The company works with leading specialist manufacturers in Britain, France, Belgium, Italy and India to create the finest range of high quality fabrics and wallpapers.
Specialist weavers in France, Belgium, Italy Turkey and India work with the finest yarns and utilise cutting edge technology to develop beautiful, luxurious qualities. Their hand-embroidered crewels are made in Kashmir, where craftsmen continue to employ traditional techniques dating back to the 18th century. The company’s relationships with their manufacturers are integral to the success of their collections, and they undertake regular visits to supervise development and production.
The company’s extensive collection of fabrics and wallpapers are held at their warehouse in West London and from there they can dispatch all samples and orders. As a small, family-run company, they can react fast and efficiently to enquiries and specific requests.
The site is also home to the head office, including the sales team, design studio and the design archive which dates back to when the company was founded. By keeping all operations in one location, they can offer the personal, flexible service their customers enjoy and expect.
Products:
The company specialises in the design, production and distribution of the best luxury woven and printed fabrics in the interiors industry, and has become known for creating timeless classics with an enduring appeal in the following products:
• Curtain Fabrics
• Upholstery Fabrics
• Wallpapers
• Fabrics for Paperbacking
• Contract Fabrics
Sales & Marketing:
The company advertises in specialist publications and via social media and also does have a highly informative website which details the current products, brand history and customer ordering.
The company does engage in social media marketing though in a minor way and has no presence through larger mainstream channels such as Ebay and Amazon. It has its own online store. Marketing takes place via the usual social media sites and direct mail is used in certain situations, e.g. design exhibitions, warehouse sale etc
The company has a reputation for a high percentage of ‘in‐stock’ positions and for quick delivery worldwide. Its agents and distributors may interact with the real time stock and order information system, allowing them to deliver first class service to the end customer.
The company has a remarkably stable trading history with demand challenging supply on an almost constant basis, making the business a perfect platform to introduce new products and new sales channels. It has established distribution in the USA, Europe, Australasia, Japan, China and Korea.
Whilst competing in a market that is intensively competitive, the company has carved out and developed a niche with loyal customers. This is not only due to the highly individual nature and heritage of the brand and a focus on providing authentic products along with friendly, knowledgeable and professional customer experience at all times.
All collections are merchandised by way of sample books and displays, which are placed with designers. In export markets, sample books are held by agents and distributors and in representative showroom installations with full length curtains, hangers, samples and cuttings. Selected advertising takes place in specialist publications.
Key Strengths:
• Brand – Discreetly famous and under-exploited
• Reputation – Responsible for commercial sales in UK, Asia, Europe and USA
• Exclusivity – An in-house design team ensures fabrics and interior decorative products are of the highest value & margins
• Equipment – Fully equipped to meet current demand
• People – Skilled and reliable work-force
• Established relationships with ultra high added value customers
Critically the brand is responsible for maintaining goodwill, driving referrals, repeat custom and other sales.
Growth and Expansion Opportunities:
The business operates very much within the scope of the vendors’ self-imposed financial limits and could grow rapidly by:
• Expanding the brand by means of a determined investment in marketing, advertising, sponsorship and typical brand-building techniques
• Product development
• Expansion of product range and design
Employees:
The company employs 15 people including:
The Owner
The Financial Controller
The Director of Sales
The Sales Manager USA
The Head of Design
The Warehouse Manager and
The Customer Service Supervisor
The remaining staff are warehouse and customer support.
The vendor is currently filling the role on a temporary basis of managing director with the assistance of a part-time financial controller.
Premises:
The business operates from two premises:
A secure office and warehouse premises on a West London industrial estate, in a building, of circa 8000 square feet to include: office area, design studio, warehouse, mezzanine, storage and kitchen & toilet facilities. This lease expires in 2025. It is within the LTA.
A showroom space in an internationally known design centre in South West London of c400 square feet. This lease expires in 2028. It is within the LTA.
Business Hours:
Warehouse: Monday-Friday 8.30-5.00
Offices Monday-Friday 9.00-5.30
Showroom: Monday-Friday 9.00-5.30
Financial Information:
The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.
Year End 2022 Turnover circa £2m
Year End 2022 Gross Profit circa £1.1m
Net assets circa £840,000
Sales in 2023 are expected to be in excess of 2022.
Over 60% plus of total sales are for export.
Reason for Sale:
Retirement.
Support and Training:
The owner is happy to provide all that is required for an agreed handover period and to aid the new owner with the growth and development of the company
Asking Price:
The Asking Price is £800,000 assuming a Net Asset Value at completion of £840,000. There will be a £ for £ increase to the final sale price to reflect any movement away from this £840,000 net asset figure. The vendor has a director’s loan account with the company and it is anticipated that as part of the sale transaction, a buyer will split and lend some of the sale proceeds to the company to enable this loan to be repaid
|
|
 |
Financials |
| Price: $800,000 |
| Gross Income: $0 |
| Cash Flow: $0 |
| FFE: $0 |
| Inventory: $0 |
| Real Estate Value: $0 |
About the Business |
| Office Reference ID: #AG155 |
| Year Established: 1939 |
| Financing: |
| Training: |
| Facilities: |
| Competition: |
| Growth: |
|
| Business Listed By |
| Name: Andrew Hudson |
| Company: Turner Butler |
| Phone: 01895 25 6000 |
|
| The information in this listing has been provided by the business seller
or representative stated above. BusinessToBuy.Net has no stake in the sale of this business, has not verified the accuracy, completeness, and assumes no responsibility for this advertisement. Read our Terms and Conditions for more information. |
Business Listings by: Andrew Hudson |
| Photo | Listing Title | City | State | Price | Cash Flow |
 |
Land brokerage with substantial land assets |
South East |
---Europe |
$643,299 |
$0 |
 |
Driving, Racing & Flying Simulator Hire Company |
Hampshire |
---Europe |
$132,671 |
$0 |
 |
Retailer of Fishing Tackle & Bait offering an excellent stock of fishing accessories |
Stansted, London |
---Europe |
$92,367 |
$0 |
 |
Established Plumbing and Heating Supplies Business |
North West |
---Europe |
$500,000 |
$0 |
 |
Fabrication and Installation of Luxury Worktops and Surfaces for Kitchens, Bathrooms & Counters |
Gloucestershire |
---Europe |
$121,787 |
$0 |
 |
Corporate & Private Events Management Business |
Fantastic Docklands |
---Europe |
$3,553,430 |
$0 |
 |
Industrial/Workshop/Garage Equipment Sales & Distribution Company |
Midlands |
---Europe |
$2,160,000 |
$0 |
 |
Service, repair and sale of Gym/Exercise equipment |
South West England |
---Europe |
$248,234 |
$0 |
 |
Abrasive Blast Cleaning Business |
Devon |
---Europe |
$146,383 |
$62,689 |
 |
Importers/Wholesalers/Distributors of Ladies Fashion Knitwear & Clothing |
East Midlands |
---Europe |
$0 |
$0 |
 |
Specialising in Saab Servicing and Repairs One of the largest and longest established |
East Anglia and UK wide |
---Europe |
$241,416 |
$80,276 |
 |
Gift Shop and Bespoke Jeweller |
North Shropshire/Relocatable |
---Europe |
$186,309 |
$49,896 |
 |
Established Refrigeration Business |
Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$251,656 |
$0 |
 |
Worldwide rights Licence for Patent pending Automated Advanced Temperature measurement system |
UK |
---Europe |
$0 |
$0 |
 |
Manufacturer Supplier & Installation of High Quality PVCu Windows & Glass |
Ireland |
---Europe |
$2,943,686 |
$0 |
 |
UK & International Domestic & Commercial Removals and Warehouse Storage |
Suffolk Coastal |
---Europe |
$492,735 |
$33,370 |
 |
Tree Surgery Business |
Ireland |
---Europe |
$2,072,944 |
$0 |
 |
Well Established Profitable Training Consultancy Business |
East of England |
---Europe |
$352,000 |
$0 |
 |
Established Plumbing and Heating Supplies Business |
London |
---Europe |
$200,000 |
$0 |
 |
The Hardware Stores” DIY Retail Chain 2 Freehold Stores - Brechin and Montrose |
Brechin & Montrose, Scotland |
---Europe |
$800,000 |
$0 |
 |
Very Profitable Motor Vehicle Business specialising in sub-prime finance based Used Car Sales |
North East England |
---Europe |
$1,021,321 |
$0 |
 |
Scrap Metal Dealer Specialising in Non Ferrous Metals |
Merseyside |
---Europe |
$0 |
$0 |
 |
Outstanding Commercial Vehicle Servicing and Repair Business |
Kent |
---Europe |
$350,000 |
$0 |
 |
The Studios High Spec Private Music Recording Facility |
Hyde, Cheshire |
---Europe |
$263,310 |
$0 |
 |
Professional Commercial Cleaning Company |
Fully relocatable |
---Europe |
$296,759 |
$64,168 |
 |
Software Development Company with Suite of Own B2B Products Inc.Proprietary Workforce Management Solutions |
Fully Relocatable |
---Europe |
$0 |
$0 |
 |
Long-time Established Substantial Corporate Taxi and Coach Hire Business |
Scotland |
---Europe |
$1,200,000 |
$0 |
 |
UK Commercial Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer (CNC) |
North Lancashire |
---Europe |
$793,666 |
$0 |
 |
Home Improvement Company - Supply and Installation of Conservatories, Windows and Doors |
Surrey |
---Europe |
$201,485 |
$135,666 |
|
Show within the Exhibition Industry specialising in the “WEDDING MARKET” |
Scotland/Relocatable |
---Europe |
$65,211 |
$0 |
 |
Design, Supply & Installation of Quality Bespoke Fitted Kitchens |
Essex |
---Europe |
$117,600 |
$0 |
 |
UK Manufacturing Group Precision Pressings, Engineering & Assembly ISO9001/ TS 19649 Accredited |
Midlands/North West |
---Europe |
$2,372,541 |
$0 |
 |
Professional Photographic Studio Family Portrait & Specialised Photo Restoration |
Dublin |
---Europe |
$71,695 |
$0 |
 |
Commercial Vehicle Repairers |
London/Essex |
---Europe |
$899,378 |
$191,522 |
 |
Kitchen and Bedroom Design, Manufacture and Installation |
Dublin, Eire |
---Europe |
$327,752 |
$36,322 |
 |
Steel Fabrication Business – Bespoke Metalwork – Manufacture, supply and installation |
Kent |
---Europe |
$2,649,374 |
$0 |
 |
Oil & Gas Boiler Service, Repair & Installation Company |
Oxfordshire Relocatable |
---Europe |
$644,633 |
$248,828 |
 |
Online Retailer of Personalised Stationary & Gifts |
Shropshire |
---Europe |
$550,000 |
$0 |
 |
Manufacture & Supply of Internal Real Wood Door Kits and Screens for Contract Builders, Architects and Private Home Owners |
Ireland |
---Europe |
$369,851 |
$49,313 |
 |
Superbly Appointed Motor Vehicle Workshop with ATL MOT Test Lane, 3D Alignment Lane & Tyre Bay |
Wirral, Merseyside |
---Europe |
$247,287 |
$83,831 |
 |
Petrol Forecourt Station 2xQuads (8 pumps) Shop and Workshop, MOT, Mechanical Repairs & Tyres plus Recovery |
Kent |
---Europe |
$1,302,525 |
$0 |
 |
Freehold Approved MOT and Mechanical Repair Garage |
Isle of Sheppey |
---Europe |
$590,736 |
$0 |
 |
Taxi & Private Hire Company Successful trading since 1986 |
South Wales |
---Europe |
$104,308 |
$67,260 |
 |
High End Catering Company. Targeted at Weddings, Corporate Events and Private Parties |
Northern Ireland/ Relocatable |
---Europe |
$199,162 |
$0 |
 |
Manufacturer of Washing Up Liquids and Detergent Products in the South East |
South East |
---Europe |
$416,713 |
$0 |
 |
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY SPECIALISING IN DISABLED SECTOR |
South of England |
---Europe |
$3,834,600 |
$0 |
 |
Service & MOT Centre Cars, Vans and 4X4s |
North Hertfordshire |
---Europe |
$600,000 |
$0 |
 |
Glazing Company Manufacture, Supply & Installation |
London |
---Europe |
$648,861 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist Domiciliary Care Agency for Adults Services |
Berkshire |
---Europe |
$225,856 |
$0 |
 |
Successful Scaffolding Erectors & Hire Service |
South Coast |
---Europe |
$655,299 |
$198,588 |
 |
Highly Regarded Business Consultancy to SME Market |
Cheshire |
---Europe |
$244,887 |
$90,594 |
 |
Manufacturer of Made to Measure Curtains, Blinds & Soft Furnishings - Bespoke Service |
Buckinghamshire |
---Europe |
$115,984 |
$0 |
 |
Motorcycle Service & Performance Tuning Centre MOT Station |
Somerset |
---Europe |
$332,825 |
$0 |
 |
Stunning Authentic Italian Restaurant Prominent Town Centre location |
Suffolk |
---Europe |
$144,925 |
$55,335 |
 |
Weddings & Events/Rural Retreat Business Freehold Country Mansion |
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
---Europe |
$2,451,534 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist Building Preservation Services Timber, Damp Treatments & Structural Waterproofing |
Devon |
---Europe |
$374,912 |
$67,225 |
 |
Well Established & Profitable E-Cigarette/Vaporizer Business |
East of England |
---Europe |
$789,273 |
$0 |
 |
Outside caterer – hog roasts, buffets, barbecues, drinks bars and crockery hire. |
West Sussex, but re-locatable |
---Europe |
$383,194 |
$71,966 |
 |
Commercial and Domestic Supplier of Hand/Power Tools Bolts and Bearings |
East Anglia |
---Europe |
$135,817 |
$57,317 |
 |
Long-Time Established Electrical Contractors and Solar PV Panel Installers |
Derbyshire |
---Europe |
$475,000 |
$0 |
 |
Very Profitable Independent Bakery Currently Specialising in Unique High Volume Sponge Product |
North West |
---Europe |
$2,042,534 |
$0 |
|
Award Winning Renewable Energy Company Specialising in Commercial and Domestic, Design, Installation and Consultancy |
South West |
---Europe |
$452,203 |
$0 |
 |
Highly Accredited Air Treatment Company |
Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$559,134 |
$0 |
 |
Manufacturer of Precision Pressings, Stampings & Assemblies |
Buckinghamshire |
---Europe |
$381,375 |
$133,218 |
 |
Communication Design Consultancy |
London |
---Europe |
$1,021,154 |
$326,788 |
|
Internationally Recognised Fabric House |
London |
---Europe |
$800,000 |
$0 |
 |
A long established coach and bus refurbishment business |
Northamptonshire |
---Europe |
$343,780 |
$88,908 |
 |
Retailer and Installers of Gas and Electric Fires, Fireplaces, Woodburning Stoves & Solid Fuel Fires |
Kent |
---Europe |
$115,483 |
$0 |
 |
Commercial Plumbing & Heating Business Gas Safe Registered |
Staffordshire/Cheshire Border (Fully relocatable) |
---Europe |
$124,232 |
$139,761 |
 |
Towing Equipment Specialist Retailer – Caravan Accessories, Parts & Trailers |
Hertfordshire |
---Europe |
$234,363 |
$78,121 |
|
Popular Chinese Takeaway/Restaurant |
Annalong, Co Down, Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$181,181 |
$0 |
 |
Skip Hire & Waste Transfer Station |
Greater Manchester |
---Europe |
$694,414 |
$67,009 |
 |
Supply Installation Terrazzo Floor & Wall Finishes |
Berkshire Relocatable |
---Europe |
$524,092 |
$216,592 |
 |
Upscale Women’s Contemporary Lifestyle Retail Store with Restaurant |
North East Somerset |
---Europe |
$728,520 |
$0 |
 |
Major Supplier of Steel Products Freehold, Independent Steel Stockholding & Trading Company |
County Cork, Ireland |
---Europe |
$1,552,440 |
$0 |
 |
Importer & Distributor /Exporter of Original Fuel Injection Parts & Equipment |
Lancashire/Fully Relocatable |
---Europe |
$219,968 |
$50,278 |
 |
Domestic and Commercial Plumbing Business |
Kent Coastal Town |
---Europe |
$126,932 |
$38,622 |
 |
Mobility Equipment Retailer Walkers, Mobility Scooters & Stair lifts Wheelchairs, Access Equipment and Mobility Aids |
Kent |
---Europe |
$93,397 |
$42,594 |
 |
Yorkshire Stone Specialist Massive Range of New and Reclaimed Stone In Stock New and Reclaimed |
West Yorkshire |
---Europe |
$334,682 |
$75,316 |
 |
High-End Bathroom and Tile Sales and Fitting Business |
Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$199,700 |
$0 |
 |
Retailer of Aluminium and uPVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories with 30 year trading history |
Hertfordshire |
---Europe |
$583,208 |
$166,648 |
 |
Pilates Studio Clinical Rehabilitation & Fitness Pilates |
Dublin |
---Europe |
$1,258,722 |
$0 |
 |
Established General Construction & Groundwork Company |
Kent |
---Europe |
$604,707 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist High Performing Plastics Engineering Solutions Company |
Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$260,000 |
$0 |
 |
Spanish/Mediterranean Style Restaurant |
Ireland |
---Europe |
$260,416 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist Office Relocation Services - Installation, Removals & Storage |
Somerset |
---Europe |
$281,340 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist Architectural Metalwork Services Company |
South Wales |
---Europe |
$351,382 |
$87,194 |
 |
A Large Independent Importer and Distributor of Fine Wines |
South West |
---Europe |
$466,281 |
$119,160 |
 |
Manufacture of Bespoke Design Traditional Timber & UPVC Doors, Sash Windows and Staircases Wood Products, UPVC, Timber Enhancement Services, Aluminium/Composite System, Glazing |
Co. Down, Northern Ireland |
---Europe |
$3,663,660 |
$699,426 |
 |
Well Established Profitable Commercial Cleaning Business |
South East England |
---Europe |
$170,000 |
$0 |
 |
Transport & Storage Company |
South Coast Port |
---Europe |
$414,990 |
$0 |
 |
Coach and Mini Bus Hire Company |
Lancashire |
---Europe |
$499,123 |
$83,212 |
 |
Prestigious Affiliate Marketing Agency |
East Midlands/London |
---Europe |
$2,093,808 |
$0 |
 |
Property Investment Portfolio 29 properties comprising 115 Residential Rental Units/Flats |
SE London |
---Europe |
$23,381,360 |
$0 |
 |
Specialist Flooring Supplier Exhibitions, Contract & Retail |
South Wales |
---Europe |
$1,171,889 |
$0 |
 |
Quality Control and Component Inspection Company |
South West Wales |
---Europe |
$321,881 |
$0 |
 |
Tyre Sales & Vehicle Maintenance Business |
Ireland |
---Europe |
$195,888 |
$53,023 |
 |
Specialist Print Finishing Business for Gold Blocking and Embossing |
West Yorkshire |
---Europe |
$374,355 |
$116,901 |
 |
Professional Commercial Contract Cleaning Company |
South Lakes, Cumbria Relocatable |
---Europe |
$151,194 |
$0 |
|
|
