LDC invests in leading lifestyle brand Joules

Leading UK private equity provider LDC has today announced that it has invested £22m for a minority stake in leading lifestyle brand Joules.

Established in 1980, Joules is a British premium lifestyle brand that is renowned for its distinctive designs and prints, high-quality product range and authentic country heritage. The business offers a broad range of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear and has more recently extended into babywear, homeware and a variety of accessories. With current annual turnover approaching £90m, the company operates a unique multi-channel model selling through wholesale channels, its own retail stores - which now total over 60 - and direct to consumers through its online offering. The business has stayed true to its country roots with a continued presence at a broad range of country and equestrian shows as well as in specialist independent stores nationwide, whilst its blue-chip wholesale stockists include John Lewis, Harrods and Selfridges.

Joules has experienced significant growth in recent years having grown its UK retail and wholesale presence, expanded its online offering and continued the development of overseas markets, particularly in the USA, Germany and Asia. The business will continue to be led by CEO and founder, Tom Joule, alongside MD, Colin Porter, and a highly experienced senior management team. Joules is well-positioned to capitalise on a range of future growth opportunities but is placing particular focus on further development of key international markets, alongside continued expansion of the UK multi-channel opportunities.