TLT advises Forthglade on acquisition by IK Investment Partners

The acquisition provides an exit for private equity firm Piper who backed a management buy-out of the business in 2015. This is the first investment by IK Investment Partners’ newly established UK investment team.

Forthglade is a fast-growing UK based natural pet food brand, producing premium wet and dry dog food and treats at its recently opened state-of-the art factory in Okehampton, Devon. 

Forthglade plans to use IK’s investment to increase brand awareness and distribution to drive growth in the UK and overseas. IK will also support Forthglade’s ongoing digital development, as well as further expansion in the business’ product range and growth in its manufacturing capabilities.

The specialist retail sector team at TLT was led by Andrew Webber, and comprised a multi-disciplined team of corporate, tax and employment specialists including James Webb & Luke Thorngate-Davies (corporate), Mark Braude & Vicki Carr (tax) and Jessica Foster & John Smith (employment).

Andrew Webber, partner and head of TLT’s corporate team said: 

“It was an absolute pleasure for our team to work with the management at Forthglade on their new investment with IK. 

“The experience and expertise of Gerard, Chris and the team helped us finalise the deal to a relatively tight timescale, with our respective teams very adept at adapting to new ways of working. 

“We look forward to seeing their business continue to grow.”

Gerard Lovell, Joint Managing Director of Forthglade said:

“We are delighted to partner with IK for the next stage of our growth and have exciting plans ahead as we look to expand our success in wet meals into cold pressed and treats, and we see a strong runway for growth ahead. 

“We’re grateful to the team at TLT for their diligence and hard work in the face of pressing timescales for completion.”