Brands In completes £1.9m management buy-out backed by Praetura

Licensed apparel specialist Brands In Limited has completed a £1.9 million management buy-out following a funding package provided by Praetura Commercial Finance.

Founded in 2012 by Rick Lowe and Lee Craze, the London-based business designs, manufactures and supplies licensed clothing and accessories across the UK and European retail markets.

The company has established supply agreements with major retailers including Boohoo, George at ASDA, Next plc and Matalan, while also growing its online presence through partnerships with Zalando and Amazon.

Brands In produces licensed apparel products linked to globally recognised entertainment brands and franchises, including Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hasbro.

The funding package from Praetura includes an invoice discounting facility and a Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) loan, supporting the management buy-out and enabling Lowe to increase his shareholding in the company to 95% through the acquisition of shares from Craze.

Brands In said the funding will also support its next phase of expansion, including growth into European markets such as Germany, France and Scandinavia, alongside diversification into additional apparel categories including nightwear, accessories and sweat shirting.

Managing Director Rick Lowe said the transaction marked an important milestone for the business.

“We are extremely pleased to have completed this management buy-out, which marks an important milestone for Brands In,” he said.

“Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with leading brands and global franchises, and this funding provides a strong platform to build on that momentum. It ensures continuity for our customers and partners, while allowing us to strengthen our offering and support the next phase of our growth.”

He added that the collaborative approach from all parties involved helped the transaction progress smoothly.

Jeff Greenfield, sales director at Praetura Commercial Finance, said the transaction required close cooperation throughout the process.

“From the start, we focused on putting the right funding in place and supported Rick and his team throughout the process,” Greenfield said. “We are pleased to have completed the buy-out and to be backing the business as it continues to grow.”

The transaction was introduced by Kingswood Corporate Finance Ltd through Richard Massing, while EMW Law LLP provided legal support on the deal.