Weird Fish acquired by investor
Weird Fish has been acquired by Auralis, a new buy-and-build holding company established by Total Capital Partners.
The lifestyle clothing and accessories brand was originally backed by Total Capital in April 2017 and since then has been transformed from a niche wholesale business.
Backed by a significant acquisition facility from Shawbrook Bank, Auralis will enable Weird Fish’s leadership team to pursue strategic acquisitions of complementary retail brands. Total Capital said Weird Fish represents the first step in an ambitious acquisition strategy designed to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock synergies across a broader portfolio of retail businesses.
Natalie Eastham, managing partner at Total Capital, said: “It’s been eight years since we invested in Weird Fish and during that time the company has successfully grown from a primarily wholesale business posting modest earnings and revenue growth to one which is recording record results and expanding its omnichannel presence. When the opportunity came to take the business to its next stage of growth, we wanted to be part of that journey.
Subscribe to TRB“With the creation of Auralis, we are backing an experienced management team to replicate their success at Weird Fish and create a much larger and more diversified business. Weird Fish is just the first of many acquisitions for Auralis and we are excited about the growth opportunities that lie ahead.”
David Butler, the chief executive of the new Auralis Group and Weird Fish, said: “In light of current market dynamics in the retail sector, many UK businesses have been limited in their abilities to invest in their own businesses while shareholders have struggled to find a home for their brands and businesses.
“We believe that by combining select businesses looking to be part of a growth and value creation platform, we will be able to generate greater value through integrated operations than they could achieve independently.”
