Cavendish

Cavendish advises on the sale of William Levene Ltd

Cavendish Corporate Finance is delighted to announce the sale of William Levene Ltd to Deithelm Keller Brands Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

William Levene is a leading name in the international housewares market with a well established reputation in the design, sourcing and marketing of kitchenware products. The Company's principal brands are Cole & Mason, Ken Hom, Culinare and the Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker.

Through Cole & Mason, William Levene controls approximately 50 per cent of the UK market in salt and pepper grinders. These items together with the Company's other branded products are sold in department stores and specialist cook shops in more than 50 countries worldwide.

In running the transaction Cavendish made use of its international partner network M&A International in order to identify a large number of overseas buyers looking to enter the UK market. The resulting interest ensured that a price was achieved for the business that fully recognised the exciting opportunity that William Levene represents.

Michael Levene, Chairman of William Levene, commented: "After 60 years in private hands it was very important to me to find the right buyer for William Levene as well as realise the right price. Cavendish did a thorough and professional job in achieving both these goals."

[Howard Leigh], lead Cavendish Director on the deal, commented:
''Cavendish was able to find the Swiss based Diethelm Keller through its Swiss member of M&A International, Binder Partners. The resultant transaction reinforces the view of many sellers that an overseas trade buyer is often preferable to a trade or private equity buyer based in the UK.''

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