JJO announces private equity firm as new majority shareholder

KBB furniture manufacturer J&J Ormerod plc (JJO) has announced that 4D Capital Partners LLP (4D) has invested in a majority shareholding in the business. 4D is a private equity firm with deep manufacturing sector knowledge that invests in UK-headquartered businesses. According to JJO, there will be a seamless transition to the new owners for all stakeholders.

Under the new ownership JJO says it remains focused on ensuring that its products and services are delivered to customers without interruption and to the usual high standards. In the long term, the business strategy continues to be centred on growth and improving the operational side of the business.

Matthew Scoffield and Anthony Robinson will join the JJO team in the roles of executive chairman and CFO. JJO MD Stephen Greenhalgh will stay with the business in the short-term to assist with the smooth transition and remain a director and significant shareholder in JJO for the long-term. No changes are planned in the rest of the senior leadership team as a result of the investment.

Stephen Greenhalgh said: “We are very excited about 4D’s investment in JJO. It gives security to all our stakeholders as the business moves into the next phase of its life. 4D’s investment, hands-on experience and manufacturing knowledge will help the business in its long-standing strategy of growth and operational performance improvement, as evidenced by the many innovations and operational developments JJO has implemented over its 157-year history.”

JJO employs nearly 300 team members at its 1.2million sq ft base in Bacup – more than half of its staff have been with the company for 10 years or longer. JJO’s furniture is sold under one of its 4 brand names through a UK-wide network of independent specialist retailers or direct to the contract trade.