Leading international horticulture supplier and family business, Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, has undergone a management buyout with the backing of Harwood Private Capital.

The Suffolk-headquartered business will continue to be led by managing director Dave Carey and its experienced management team – supported by new non-executive chair Matt Atkinson – as it pursues further growth across its trade and direct to consumer channels. 

The deal sees the exit of Mr Fothergill’s founding shareholders including joint managing director, John Fothergill.

Founded in 1978, Mr Fothergill’s has grown into a £50m turnover business with international offices in Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 250 people. The business supplies horticultural products via its direct to consumer channels and to more than 3,000 retailers and partners including large national retailers and garden centres worldwide with a focus on hobby seeds and supplementary products. The addition of Matt Atkinson brings significant direct to consumer experience to the board.

Dave Carey, managing director at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, said: “The business my father Brian founded with Jeff Fothergill 40 years ago that Aaron Whitehouse, John Fothergill and I have led for the last decade, has remained true to its family values while becoming one of the world’s leading seed brands. 

“Those values, and our commitment to supporting our customers with the best possible product and service, will continue to be at the core of our offer as we enter an exciting new era with Harwood Private Capital. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the team as we target further growth across our international client base and the direct-to-consumer market.”