In a strategic acquisition, Cooper Callas, a well-established UK-based distributor of premium kitchen and bathroom products, has been acquired through a management buy-in (MBI) led by bathroom industry veteran Philip Carr.
Known for his extensive experience in the UK bathroom sector, Carr has a proven track record of successful business growth and development.
This acquisition marks a new chapter for the historic company as it continues to supply high-quality products to retailers across the UK and Europe.
A Legacy of Quality in Kitchen and Bathroom Distribution
Headquartered in Bicester, Cooper Callas boasts an impressive heritage, having been established in 1875. Over nearly 150 years, the company has evolved into a prominent distributor within the kitchen and bathroom sectors, supplying a wide range of premium brands and products. The company is the exclusive UK distributor for Sottini and Azzurra, two renowned names in premium bathroom suites, and it also offers its own in-house brand, Bathrooms by Blu.
Today, Cooper Callas supplies an expansive catalog of 27,000 kitchen and bathroom products, which include offerings from respected brands such as Ideal Standard, Roca, Mira, Kaldewei, Aqualisa, and Saniflo. Its customer base spans around 1,200 independent retailers throughout Europe, including high-profile names like John Lewis.
The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has positioned it as a leader in the distribution of high-end bathroom and kitchen solutions.
Philip Carr’s Leadership and Industry Expertise
Philip Carr brings to Cooper Callas decades of expertise in the UK bathroom industry. Carr's career includes senior leadership roles at notable firms such as Imperial Bathrooms and Polypipe, where he drove significant growth and transformation initiatives. He has also been instrumental in landmark acquisitions, including his role in Crosswater Holdings UK’s purchase of Simpsons Shower Enclosures, underscoring his strategic approach to expanding brand portfolios.
Carr’s involvement in this acquisition suggests a strong future focus for Cooper Callas, as his experience aligns well with the company’s commitment to high-quality, service-oriented distribution.
Expert Advice and Financing Support
The acquisition of Cooper Callas was advised by Douglas Edmunds, who described the transaction as a unique opportunity, noting that Cooper Callas stands as one of the largest independent bathroom distributors in the UK. Edmunds highlighted that this acquisition serves as a “good example of the diverse types of transactions available to SMEs in today’s market.”
The management buy-in was financed with support from several prominent capital firms. Percipient Capital led the financing package, in collaboration with Leumi ABL and Santander, underscoring the strategic financial backing for Carr’s acquisition. Legal advice for the transaction was provided by Clarke Wilmott LLP, ensuring a smooth and structured transition.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Cooper Callas
With Philip Carr at the helm, Cooper Callas is poised for a promising future. Carr’s vision and extensive industry knowledge are expected to guide the company toward further growth, possibly through an expanded product range and new strategic partnerships. This acquisition also signals continued stability and innovation in Cooper Callas’s role as a premium distributor in the UK and European markets, a promising development for the company’s existing retailer partners and new business ventures alike.
M&A Summary
The acquisition of Cooper Callas by Philip Carr marks an important moment for one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bathroom distributors, as the industry faces down new challenges from online sales.
