Abel & Cole

Leading supplier of home delivered organic produce, Abel & Cole, get some fresh advice from Clearwater to secure an MBO which sees the management team partner with founder and previous owner Keith Abel and Phoenix Equity Partners.

Based in Wimbledon, Southwest London, Abel & Cole has recently opened distribution centres in Tamworth and Warrington, taking it a step closer to its ambition of delivering fresh, organic produce to doorsteps across the nation. The product range has continued to expand since founder Keith Abel started selling potatoes door to door in 1988. Besides the traditional fruit and vegetables, more than 500 products ranging from organically-reared meat and fish to bread, baby food, wine and coffee are available for weekly deliveries which create a current turnover of £28m.

Clearwater advised the management team on the MBO having completed more than 30 deals in the food, consumer and retail sector. Together with our expertise in MBO transactions, Clearwater was able to provide the management team with advice on the proposed deal structure, impact for the management team and the future strategic value of the business.

Marc Gillespie, partner at Clearwater, said:

“Abel & Cole is renowned for its organic credentials and is well placed to take advantage of strong growth in demand for organic food. The transaction will provide support for the business as it enters the next stage of growth.”

David Burns, partner at Phoenix, said: "Abel & Cole is a wonderful story of an entrepreneur turning a vision into reality. Keith and his management team have built a great business which has remained loyal to its core values."