Traditional British soap makers H. Bronnley & Co has been acquired by a management buy-in team. The acquisition by the management team is the first step in a buy and build strategy of acquiring additional leading brands and aimed at developing the well established English toiletries house.
The team is lead by Leslie Barber the former CEO of Lornamead's European, Middle East and Asian business and Scott Dougan who has held various senior and advisory roles in the Personal Care Industry including European Finance Director at Revlon. The board will be chaired by Stuart Rose, currently chairman of Hamley's and who was formerly the CEO of Body Shop.
Leslie Barber commented: “Bronnley offers us the unique opportunity to restore this prestigious brand to the forefront of its retail category while re-establishing the Bronnley operation as an exciting player in the UK and European toiletries and fragrances market. We are honoured that the previous owners have placed their trust in us to take their business forward”.
The 123-year old British company has been family owned throughout its history, and is known worlwide for its branded soaps, talcum powders, lotions, creams and fragrances which it mixes, blends and finishes by hand on site in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
The company also distributes GB Kent brushes and Vagabond bags with the new management team expected to introduce further prestigious international brands to its markets through existing sales channels.