Clearwater advises LeMieux on its investment from LDC

Transaction

LeMieux on the investment from LDC

Sell-side

Undisclosed

Role

Adviser to LeMieux on its investment from LDC

Sector

Consumer

Region

United Kingdom

Clearwater has advised LeMieux, a leading equestrian brand on its minority investment from mid-market private equity firm LDC, to accelerate international growth and expand its product range.

LeMieux’s products are globally recognised for their quality, durability, technical performance, and design. Originally known for its saddle pads, the brand has since expanded its range into most areas of equestrian equipment, as well as premium rider wear and accessories, creating a signature LeMieux look and colour story. The brand is sold via over 500 traditional and online retailers in 69 countries and increasingly through its own website. LeMieux’s products are the choice of world class riders, including multiple Olympic and World Champion Charlotte Dujardin and Rolex Grand-Slam winning showjumper Scott Brash.

The business was founded in 2004 by Lisa and Robert Lemieux, a former professional event rider, British National Champion and Olympian. Following the move to new purpose-built premises in 2019, the business is now on track to generate revenues of almost €26m (£22m) in 2021, having grown by 30% each year since 2008.

LDC is backing LeMieux’s ambitious management team, led by Lisa and Robert, to accelerate its growth in the UK and overseas, and further expand its horsewear and rider wear offering.

Over the years we have taken LeMieux from a specialist horsewear business to a globally recognised brand. We knew the time was right to accelerate our rate and scale of growth, which is why partnering with LDC was a natural step for us given their track-record of supporting brands like ours and taking them to the next level. We’re looking forward to the next phase of our growth journey with LDC and the team.
Robert Lemieux, Founder, LeMieux

LeMieux’s products have a hallmark of quality and are synonymous with safety and performance, which has earned the brand a trusted reputation amongst riders and horse lovers across the world. The business is now at a very exciting point in time, where there’s a significant opportunity to scale-up and make it a real household name in the industry. Collectively the team has a wealth of experience in taking retail brands to the international stage and growing e-commerce, which makes this partnership a very exciting opportunity.
Colin Porter, Non-Executive Chairman of LeMieux

We are delighted to be partnering with Lisa and Robert, who have already grown LeMieux to become a market leading brand in the equestrian community. Together, we have identified significant growth opportunities, which include expanding its already-impressive global footprint, further broadening its product-range, and investing in digital sales and marketing. The business has shown consistent growth over the years and is well positioned to deliver its ambitious plans.
Joe Tager, Investment Director at LDC in London

LeMieux is an established equestrian brand and is known for its trusted product range. We have seen the business grow on a global scale and provide a quality finish to its products which has become instantly recognisable in the industry. The investment from LDC comes at the perfect point in the business’ development, as it will enable it to drive growth and develop further products in untapped areas. We would like to wish the teams at LeMieux and LDC all the best with their journey together.
Mike Slater, Director, Clearwater