Enotria has secured major new investment from BlueGem Capital Partners. ISIS Equity Partners have sold their shares in the company and BlueGem becomes the majority shareholder in Enotria, while senior management remain as shareholders alongside BlueGem. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
BlueGem Capital Partners is an independent and dynamic private equity fund, investing in mid-market companies based in Europe, with particular focus on UK and Italy. Their portfolio of companies includes Liberty, the well-known central London department store.
The securing of new investment from BlueGem underlines Enotria’s position as the leading specialist trade wine company in the UK, and its deserved reputation as a well-established, well-run business. The existing management team will remain in the business under the leadership of Chief Executive, Alison Levett. Enotria is also delighted to announce that Tim How, previously a non-executive director at Enotria, steps up to become Chairman.
BlueGem were impressed by the long-standing and mutually beneficial partnerships which Enotria shares with a range of quality wine suppliers globally, and with its diverse customer base in the UK. It also recognised the importance of their growing International business through the joint venture with Cantine Settesoli.
The backing of BlueGem will enable Enotria to build on existing expertise and, via significant investment in infrastructure such as warehousing, systems and people, to further grow its business significantly in the coming years.
Chief Executive, Alison Levett, says “I am thrilled to have secured private equity backing from BlueGem as it demonstrates confidence in both our track record and for management’s plans for the future. It enables us to remain as a standalone company and continue on our journey to be the best in the industry.” She added, “it is an additional plus to have such an experienced industry leader as Tim How as our Chairman”.
Marco Capello, Managing Partner of BlueGem, says “We are delighted to invest in Enotria. BlueGem will always back growing businesses and impressive people. In Enotria we have found a best-in-class distributor with very strong management and a compelling track record of helping its suppliers and its customers to achieve quality and profitability in their wine business. We look forward to supporting the company in its continued success.”
For more information about Blue Gem, visit www.bluegemcp.com
More about the sale: Some questions answered
- 1. Why has BlueGem bought Enotria?
BlueGem identified Enotria as a premier wine business with an excellent track record of growth. Since they invested in 2005, Isis Equity Partners have enabled the business to grow substantially and now there is opportunity via a new investment plan to take the business to greater heights in the coming years.
- 2. What impact will this have on Enotria customers
In the short term it will be business as usual. In the medium term BluGem are supportive of investment in warehousing, customer service and other business-building initiatives.
- 3. Will Enotria remain as a wine specialist?
At Enotria we believe that our specialist wine focus helps to ensure we offer the best advice and expertise to our customers. We are looking to update and evolve our wine portfolio in numerous focus areas – for example in Spain where we have already added a raft of new wines.
- 4. Where can I find more information about BlueGem?
Via their company website www.bluegemcp.com
