WINE distributor Enotria has secured a major new investor.
The firm said backing from private equity fund BlueGem Capital Partners, which has become the majority shareholder in Enotria, will enable it to grow its businesses “significantly” in the coming years.
Enotria said it aims to build on its existing expertise and invest in infrastructure, including warehousing, systems and personnel.
The existing management team will continue to lead the business under chief executive Alison Levett, while Tim How, previously a non-executive director at Enotria, has stepped up to become chairman.
Levett said the private equity backing from BlueGem “demonstrates confidence” in Enotria’s track record and plans for the future.
“It enables us to remain as a standalone company and continue on our journey to be the best in the industry,” she said.
“It is an additional plus to have such an experienced industry leader as Tim How as our chairman.”
Marco Capello, managing partner of BlueGem, which invests in mid-market companies based in Europe with a particular focus on the UK and Italy, said the firm backs “growing businesses and impressive people”.
“In Enotria we have found a ‘best in class’ distributor with very strong management and a compelling track record of helping its suppliers and its customers achieve quality and profitability in their wine business,” he said.
