The business was previously part of the PFI Group.
Kesslers London specialises in the production of retail displays and merchandising solutions for a host of big name retailers and brands. Its subsidiary Proportion London makes mannequins and other display forms.
The MBO at the Waltham Forest-based business was helmed by managing director Daniel Astarita and operations director Rachael Evans.
PFI Group had acquired the business and assets of Kesslers International in January 2022, after it went into administration under previous owner Hexcite Group.
Astarita said it had always been his ambition to take over the business, and he and Evans were thrilled the MBO deal had now come to fruition.
“PFI stepped forward when we needed investment, and Darren [McMurray, PFI CEO] has done what he said he would do and stuck by our agreement that we could buy it back.
“He has stuck to his word and I thank him for that.”
Astarita said the specialist nature of the Kesslers offering meant the firm’s day-to-day operations were largely separate from the rest of the PFI Group, which has experienced a turbulent period with a number of its other subsidiaries shuttered.
Kesslers London employs 95 and relocated from Stratford into new 3,716sqm premises on the Highams Park industrial estate earlier this year.
The company filed sales of £14.8m for calendar year 2022 and made an operating profit of just under £1.6m.
“Year two will be as good and year three will be all about growth and creating a sustainable business for all our stakeholders,” Astarita added.
“We have some fantastic customers and brands doing some really cool stuff in retail. Across both parts of the business customers and suppliers have really bought in to our plans, and staff are excited too.”
In a statement confirming the MBO, Astarita commented: “This development represents a pivotal moment for us as we embark on a dynamic journey of growth and innovation.
“I would like to personally thank our customers, suppliers and staff for allowing us to realise this opportunity. Our three-year strategic plan is set to position Kesslers London and Proportion London as a leaders in our fields. We have some truly exciting announcements planned for 2024 and we can't wait to share them with our valued customers and partners.”
Kesslers London’s clients include Adidas, Dior, L’Oréal, Sainsbury’s and Primark.
