Isca Ventures has advised Monkhouse, one of the largest independent schoolwear retailers in the UK and part of Banner Group, on its acquisition of Early Years Schoolwear. Womble Bond Dickinson provided legal support.
Funded by growth capital investors MML Capital Partners, the acquisition represents a key step in Banner’s strategy to be the market leader in the supply of both uniform and sportswear to the schoolwear industry.
Founded in 1968, Early Years Schoolwear is a family business which has grown over the years to become the official stockists for around 70 schools in the Midlands.
Isca Ventures provided integrated deal support, financial due diligence and commercial due diligence, with the team including Matt Eves, Guy Eggleton and Al Halcrow.
Glenn Leech, Chief Executive of Banner said: “Our advisers deserve a big thank you from the team at Banner for their really excellent support in getting the deal over the line when we said we would. It was particularly important to the seller and should help to further strengthen our reputation in the market for how we do business.”
Matt Eves, Partner at Isca Ventures said: “We’re delighted to have advised Banner on this significant acquisition, which represents a further step in Banner’s strategy to be the market leader in school uniform retailing. We look forward to continuing to support them as they carry on with their dynamic growth strategy.”
