Luxury furniture maker changes hands in management buyout

Bolton-based luxury fitted furniture and cabinet maker, Clive Christian Furniture Co, has announced that a 100% management buyout has been agreed with shareholders, including majority owners, Souter Investments.

The MBO, for an undisclosed sum, was led by managing director Guy Newton and Pamela Tennant, head of finance and operations, and supported by David Dare, former owner of Shaws of Darwen.

Clive Christian Furniture Co designs and manufactures luxury cabinetry using specially-selected raw materials with a dedicated and experienced team of craftsmen.

Established in 1978 by founder Clive Christian, the company has endured considerable commercial and critical success during its 40-year history.

The company operates from a London design studio in Mayfair and manufacturing base in Bolton. The latter is a UK Centre of Excellence and boasts more than 50 highly-skilled designers and craftsmen and women combining precision technology with 300-year cabinetry and finishing skills.

The business also has 18 design partners and showrooms worldwide that support the global client base.

The new ownership will enable the business to further flourish under the close management of a team of fully-engaged stakeholders, with an expanded product range and wider market distribution.

Operationally, Guy Newton will continue as managing director, Pamela Tennant will become finance director and company secretary and David Dare will be company chairman.

As well as financial investment, David brings with him a passion and knowledge for UK manufacturing and craftsmanship and in-depth experience of the luxury interiors sector.

Bolton-born David spent more than 10 years at the helm of Shaws of Darwen, craft makers of some of the world’s finest kitchen and bathroom sinks, and was most recently managing director of Perrin and Rowe, luxury bathroom and kitchen brassware and ceramics company.

Guy 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.

“I would like to thank Souter Investments and the previous shareholders for their support in recent years and looking to the future, to David Dare for investing in and sharing our belief and passion for craft and skill-based manufacturing in the UK.

Pamela Tenant

“Wood brings a 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.”

David Dare added: “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.”