SLG Brands
We’re pleased to have supported a global beauty product incubator headquartered in Cheltenham as it completed the sale of two of its flagship haircare brands to a US consumer goods company.
Founded in 1985, SLG Brands develops its own portfolio of beauty and personal care products for both domestic and international markets. The business specialises in brand creation and licensing, having partnered with well-known high street names and celebrities for its beauty ranges including the likes of Paul Smith, Superdry, Sweaty Betty and White Fox Boutique. It is also backed by private equity firm, BGF.
SLG Brands has now sold two of its leading brands, COLAB Dry Shampoo and Johnny’s Chop Shop, to Thriving Brands, a consumer goods company based in Cincinnati, USA, backed by American private equity firm, Trive Capital.
Our Corporate Finance team, led by Partner Victoria Kisseleva, Associate Director Matthew Nolan and Assistant Manager Alex Lewis ran an international sale process on behalf of SLG Brands, engaging with numerous interested parties and then managing the commercial negotiations with Thriving Brands once it emerged as the best strategic buyer for both assets.
Thriving Brands will now be able to add COLAB Dry Shampoo and Johnny’s Chop Shop to its portfolio of consumer products, which already includes household names like Right Guard. It will also benefit from their existing distribution relationships with UK and US retailers including Tesco, Boots, Target and Walmart.
The deal will allow SLG to focus on its core licensing business while unlocking capital for future growth initiatives.
Project RetroGame
Project RetroGame designs and markets a range of accessories for major video game consoles and handheld platforms. The company offers products including controllers, charging docks, batteries, protective cases, and audio headsets. These accessories are used by gamers to enhance, protect, or power their gaming hardware across platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. RetroGame operates as a developer and distributor, selling its products through its own e-commerce website and various third-party retail channels. The company serves the consumer gaming market, providing hardware peripherals for both home and portable gaming systems.
The company has three shareholders, one of whom we have a longstanding relationship with. They are seeking to sell the business and one of the shareholders would like to roll over a substantial portion of his 40% interest.
LEADING SCIENCE-BASED NATURAL COSMETICS COMPANY
Leading science-based natural cosmetics company with a strong and established position in the Spanish market. The business combines natural formulations with proven dermatological efficacy, operating a profitable, scalable and brand-led consumer model.
The company is at a strategic inflection point and is executing a new business plan focused on portfolio optimisation, omnichannel expansion and selective international growth, while maintaining profitability and cash generation.
The shareholders are currently evaluating strategic alternatives, including:
Option A – Minority Growth Investment
A total financing package of €5.0m, structured as €2.5m of primary equity and €2.5m of private debt, enabling a minority investment to support the growth plan while existing shareholders retain control.
Option B – Majority / Control Transaction
The entry of a Private Equity investor through a controlling stake, combining primary capital to accelerate growth with secondary liquidity to allow existing shareholders to partially realise value, and partnering with management to drive the next phase of growth and value creation.