Nodor Group, a collection of the largest premium darts equipment brands in the world, has agreed a major investment from leading European mid-market private equity firm, Inflexion. Bristol-based lawyers at international legal practice Osborne Clarke advised on the deal.
The investment is being made by Inflexion’s Buyout Fund VI. The value has not been disclosed.
Nodor’s key brands, Winmau and Red Dragon, are the names behind many of the world’s most talented darts professionals, and the world’s most advanced equipment with Winmau being the exclusive equipment provider to the Professional Darts Corporation (“PDC”) and the title sponsor at the PDC World Masters.
Inflexion will use its significant experience in scaling global brands to support Nodor's management team in growing the business through geographic and channel expansion, as well as working with the team on product development and the use of technology to enhance the customer experience.
Lawyers at Osborne Clarke's Bristol office advised the Bluck family (the Nodor shareholders) on the deal. The team was led by Simon Spooner, Alisdair Livingstone and Jack Wellington and included Liam O'Connor, Sasha Dornan, Jonny Squires, Stuart Janaway, Sophie Walmsley, Tom Lewis, Lara Fatemi, Sophie Myatt and Catherine Gunz.
Vince Bluck, managing director at Nodor, said:
"With entities located in three different continents requiring a complex internal reorganisation prior to the main transaction, this process was always going to be immensely challenging and time consuming. From our very first meeting with Osborne Clarke, Simon, Jack and the entire OC team have consistently provided the superb legal advice and professional guidance required to steer this deal. Crucially for us, as a family business experiencing explosive growth, they’ve taken ownership of the entire legal process. This has allowed us to focus on running our core business which has been absolutely invaluable."
Jack Wellington, Associate Director, Osborne Clarke said:
"Founded over 100 years ago and headquartered in the UK, Nodor has over 1,000 employees across three continents and exports to over 100 countries worldwide. Products are manufactured in-house and Nodor is recognised as the most advanced manufacturer of premium dartboards, darts and related products globally.
"We are delighted to have acted for the Bluck family on such an exciting transaction and look forward to watching the continued success of Nodor's world renowned brands for many years to come."
Osborne Clarke's Corporate team is a go-to practice for companies in the Retail & Consumer sector. Its clients range from global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.
