HMT LLP advised Newable Capital on their acquisition of a majority shareholding in leading UK coffin manufacturer J.C. Atkinson & Son.
Founded in 1936, and based in the North East, JCA has grown through three generations of family ownership to become the leading independent manufacturer and distributor of coffins, caskets and other related products to the UK funeral market. The business now employs 150 staff across three UK locations, the company’s products have an outstanding reputation for quality across the breadth of the funeral market.
JCA offers the UK’s most extensive range of products, from traditional to personalised or environmentally friendly coffins, all delivered on short lead times across the country and with exceptional quality customer service. The company has been at the forefront of the green growth in the industry, implementing sustainable energy features to minimise its environmental impact and develop more environmentally friendly products. The business was first to gain certification Forest Stewardship Council® for its use of green sources of raw materials.
The long-term investment by Newable Capital, will enable the business to build on its leading position in the market and deliver an increased capacity of a broader range of products from its existing factories to its long-standing client relationships. The core leadership team at JCA will remain unchanged with Tom Curran joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director.
HMT undertook financial due diligence for Newable Capital on this transaction.
commented:
“JCA’s profile as multi-generational family business that leads in a changing market is an ideal fit for Newable Capital. We have been working with Julian and his team for the best part of a year, which has seen considerable challenges for the sector. As the market starts to stabilise, we look forward to working with the business to help deliver on the considerable growth opportunities in the market ”. I would like to thank Paul and the HMT team for their support, they provided focused and practical advice throughout the process.”
– Peter Barrand, Managing Director at Newable Capital
“We were delighted to have advised Newable Capital on their acquisition of JCA and we look forward to working with them again in the future as the business grows and develops.”
– Paul Read
