Leading Designers and Manufacturers in Highest Quality, Contemporary Technology Lighting.
Confidentially offered for Sale
Ref Number: MD01-ABS
Asking Price: £495,000
Location: South-East England, near London
Asking Price £495,000 Plus Stock at Valuation (approx. £75,000) on a cash free debt free basis.
Location: South-East England, near London
Strong order book (over £600,000 already anticipated for this financial year ending June 2025)
Turnover for last financial year: circa £845,000
Gross Profit: circa £590,000
Operating Profits: circa £185,000 -£190,000
1. Executive Summary
The Company is a well-established, privately-owned limited company based near London in South-East England. With over 30 years of experience, the Company’s unique specialisation is rooted in the specification and manufacture of cutting-edge fiber optic technology lighting systems. Based on such skills, the Company has more recently gained an excellent reputation for its range of high-end picture lights, as well as its adaptive ability to repurpose legacy lighting fixtures.
Our client is a leader in the specialised field of high-quality bespoke lighting equipment, offering design and development, manufacturing, consultancy, and support services for tailor-made lighting solutions, providing a total and integrated approach to clients' lighting requirements, often exceeding their expectations.
The Business delivers bespoke solutions that can solve the most challenging of lighting needs and meet the highest standards of excellence in quality, performance, reliability and durability. Their primary focus today is on the illumination of Fine Art, as well as in the support of the growing number of subscribers to Circular Economy principles in the construction industry.
The Company’s clientele preserves and presents some of the world's most precious collections of art and artefacts, by whom and for which the Company is trusted to provide lighting solutions that enhance the aesthetic appeal of artworks and exhibits and ensure their long-term conservation.
Quality of light is paramount to the presentation of art, and the delivery of full-spectrum illumination to enhance the true essence of each piece while protecting it from potential damage caused by inferior or incorrect lighting is crucial. The company is renowned for its expertise, reliability and innovative solutions, serving a prestigious client base that includes the National Trust, English Heritage, the Royal Collections Trust, Museums around the world, and owners of Fine Residences across the UK.
2. Business Overview
Founded: 2012
Location: South-East England, near London
Ownership: Privately owned limited company
The Company is the longest-established and most experienced company in the fibre optic lighting market, having evolved from the originating entity that was first established in 1983.
The Company offers bespoke lighting solutions, particularly targeting the museum and heritage sector. It is involved in both the creation of new lighting systems and the retrofit of legacy systems, both of its own original supply and that of other manufacturers, with modern LED technology.
The Company operates from premises, owned by the vendor personally. The property includes workshops, offices, and storage facilities with excellent security measures in place.
3. Products and Services
The Company provides a comprehensive range of products and services, including:
- Bespoke Lighting Solutions: Tailored fibre optic and LED lighting systems for art illumination and other specialised applications.
- Top Quality, High-End Picture Lights: supported by a wealth of experience in best lighting practice and knowledge of critical conservation considerations.
- Project Management: Full consultancy services from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality results.
- Retrofit Services: Upgrading and repurposing existing lighting systems with modern, energy-efficient technology.
- Technical Design and Manufacturing: In-house capabilities for technical design, testing, machining, 3D printing, painting, and assembly.
- Established and Respected brand of high-quality lighting equipment.
4. Market and Competition
Market Outlook:
The market for art lighting is robust, with opportunities for growth in the United Kingdom as well as in international markets, for both bespoke products and services and off-the-shelf items. The Company is also well positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for retrofit solutions and the circular economy.
Finally, the company is in discussion with a leading London University for the development of new-era Fibre Optic lighting technology that could significantly re-energise the fibre optic lighting industry.
Competitive Advantage:
- Reputation: Known for high-quality, reliable products and services.
- Client Relationships: Strong, long-term relationships with prestigious clients.
- Customisation: Ability to deliver highly bespoke solutions tailored to client needs.
- Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of both legacy and modern lighting technologies.
- Links with Academic Technical Institutions: Well-established relationship with University Department of Physics and Optics to support the Company’s technical strengths and promote access to academic development grants
Key Clients:
- The National Trust
- The Royal Collections Trust
- An extensive client list of Museums and other Heritage Organisations
- Lighting Designers
- Private High Net-Worth clients
5. Financial Information
- Turnover:
- 2021: £173,591 (COVID impact)
- 2022: £423,804
- 2023: £614,529
- 2024: £845,000
- Profitability: The Company has shown consistent growth, with significant profit margins due to its high-value client base and bespoke offerings.
- Assets: The Company owns 3D printers, a CNC machine and a small lathe, a well as having substantial stock holdings.
6. Growth Opportunities
Sales and Marketing:
The Company currently lacks a dedicated sales team and modern online marketing strategies. The introduction of a full-time salesperson and upgrading online and social media presence would present significant opportunities for growth. There exists capacity with the existing staffing levels and production space substantially to increase productive throughput without any significant increase in overhead.
International Expansion:
With the right investment in marketing and sales, the Company could expand its reach in international markets, leveraging its strong reputation and unique offerings either directly to market or via a selected distribution network.
7. Property and Facilities
- Type: Leasehold (owned by the vendor)
- Rent: £42,500 per annum
- Property Description: Workshops, storage, technical test facilities, office space, meeting room, kitchenette and toilets.
- Location: Rural setting with onsite parking, excellent security and dog-friendly policies.
- Services: Electricity, water, fast fibre broadband and sewerage.
8. Employees
Full-time Employees: 4
- 2 x Production staff (manufacturing, assembly, installation)
- 1 x Technical Co-Director (production and site work)
- 1 x Owner (customer contact, project management)
Part-time Employees: 3
- Office Administrator and Marketing Assistant
- Office Assistant/Workshop Support
- Accounts Manager (Sage accounts, payroll)
9. Sale Details
Reason for Sale:
The owner wishes to retire and spend more time pursuing personal interests. However, she is committed to helping the Company transition well and to ensure its future commercial success, so is very happy to remain involved in a consultancy capacity to ensure a smooth handover.
Support for New Owner:
The current owner is committed to providing comprehensive support and training to the new owner and ensuring a seamless progression. The present co-Director is also fully apprised of the current plans and, with his technical strengths, will continue to underpin and advance the Company’s unique skills and abilities
Key Employees:
The Company's key employees are integral to its operations and are expected to remain post-sale, ensuring continuity and stability.
Confidentiality:
The sale is highly confidential. Discretion is paramount.
10. Conclusion
The Company presents a unique opportunity to acquire a highly reputable and profitable business with a well-established client base in several niche markets.
The Company offers significant growth potential, particularly with the introduction of modern sales and marketing strategies.
The new owner will inherit a loyal client base, experienced staff, and a solid foundation for future growth.
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