Yorkshire figure skate blade manufacturer acquired by US investor
ONE of the world’s leading figure skate blade manufacturers has been acquired by a US-based private investor group.
Sheffield-based HD Sports, which crafted blades for every single medallist at the Winter Olympics in Sochi this year, has been snapped up by the investor group of Boston’s Robert Donahoe and Paul Harrity for a significant undisclosed sum.
The new owner plans to keep all manufacturing, research and development in Sheffield and the manufacturing and sales staff will remain in Sheffield.
For the past three years, operating as HD Sports NA, the Sheffield manufacturer was the exclusive distributor of MK and John Wilson ice skate blades in North America.
Its history dates back to 1696, when Royal toolmaker and Sheffield engineer John Wilson started making blades.
Renowned engineers Hattersley & Davidson acquired the firm in the early twentieth century and further developed John Wilson’s reputation for innovation. Prestigious skate company Mitchel & King then joined the stable in 1997, combining to make HD Sports.
Tom Cantwell of HD Sports NA has been promoted to managing director of global operations and will be relocating to Sheffield.
“The HD Sports management team have done an excellent job managing the MK and John Wilson brands,” he said. “I am excited to be working closely with such a dedicated and committed staff. Our goal will be to make our blades more readily available and accessible to our loyal clients.”
Legal advice for the US Investment team was provided by a team led by Yorkshire lawyer Philip Ashworth, a partner at law firm Walkers in York, and comprising Oliver King and Charlotte Grant. Financial due diligence and accounting advice for the US investment team was provided by Yorkshire accountants JWP Creers. A legal team from Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield, led by Matt Ainsworth, advised the shareholders of HD Sports.
