NorthEdge backs Bridge Farm Nurseries management buy-out

We have advised private equity firm, NorthEdge Capital, on its investment in Bridge Farm Nurseries, the market leading producer of ornamental plants, flowers and herbs in the UK, backing a management buy-out from its family shareholders.

The investment is NorthEdge’s first deal transacted from its newly opened Midlands office.

The team, led by Corporate Partner Tom Durrant, included Partners Gareth John (Corporate) and Colin Gittus (Real Estate) and Solicitors Priya Thakker, Matthew Smith (both Corporate) and Alison O’Kelly (Banking).

Tom Durrant said: “We are delighted to have supported NorthEdge on this transaction. Bridge Farm Nurseries is a good platform for NorthEdge. The investment will support an extensive capex programme over the next two years, allowing the team to capitalise further on market opportunities and secure additional customer relationships and deliver strong shareholder value.

Bridge Farm works with major UK supermarkets under the brand name Neame Lea, the 2017 UK Grower of the Year, where outdoor plants, flowers and herbs are of increasing importance as a category. Bridge Farm’s core supermarket customer base, which includes Tesco and Aldi, is growing faster than the overall market as supermarkets increase garden ranges targeting shoppers buying for convenience or on impulse, and accordingly securing a greater share of the market.