Kitchen Craft acquired by US-based Lifetime Brands

Kitchen Craft, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of kitchenware products and accessories, is looking forward to further growth and investment following its acquisition by NASDAQ-listed Lifetime Brands (NASDAQ GS: LCUT) for an undisclosed sum.

Birmingham-based Kitchen Craft was established in 1850 as Thomas Plant and has remained in family ownership ever since. The business sells a wide range of branded and own brand kitchenware products. Other than Kitchen Craft, the firm sells products under a number of brands including Masterclass, Colourworks, Bar Craft and Sweetly Does It. With an extensive customer base ranging from independent stores through to larger chains, the company supplies over 2,600 customers both in the UK and across more than 70 countries worldwide.

Lifetime Brands is a global provider of branded kitchenware, tableware and other home products, supplying the top homeware retailers in North America. As part of the Lifetime Brands portfolio, Kitchen Craft will operate as a separate division under the continuing leadership of Andrew Plant, Richard Plant and Peter Bushell. The acquisition of Kitchen Craft broadens the customer base of Lifetime Brands in the UK and Europe. Lifetime acquired the leading tableware and accessories business Creative Tops in 2011 and both Kitchen Craft and Creative Tops will continue to be run separately.