American Golf FD joins LDC team

GED Gould, the finance director of Warrington-based retailer American Golf, is to join private equity firm LDC’s North West team.

Mr Gould has joined the Manchester-based office led by Carl Wormald as portfolio director.

The move comes just two months after LDC sold American Golf to Sun European Partners.
 
During LDC’s eight-year investment, he was instrumental in doubling sales at the 89-store chain to over £100m through a major store expansion and also driving its online presence via acquisition.
 
Gould originally qualified with KPMG, where he spent 10 years in audit and corporate finance advisory before joining private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital.
 
Carl Wormald said: “Ged is ideally placed to support the growth ambitions of our portfolio companies across the region and support our new business initiatives.

“His appointment also demonstrates our commitment to the local market and our determination to expand the portfolio through new investment throughout the economic cycle.”
 
Mr Gould, who will join LDC in May, added: “From my own experience, LDC takes an added value approach to private equity, providing the strategic and operational expertise to help growth companies achieve their goals.  This is a perfect opportunity to work alongside the management teams it backs and complement the skills of the investment team.”

His departure from American Golf follows that of chief executive Nick Wood, who is leaving to lead Handforth-based Pets at Home.