Smarter Capital, in partnership with marketplace specialist Rex Brown, has acquired White Horse Energy, a leading UK supplier of wood pellets, kiln-dried firewood and wood briquettes.
Acquiring a leading UK biomass supplier
Smarter Capital and Rex Brown have completed the acquisition of White Horse Energy, a specialist supplier of high-quality biomass fuel products.
The transaction includes the company's processing plant in South Africa, where products are manufactured before being exported to the UK.
This integrated supply chain supports product quality, continuity of supply and the business's ability to serve customers across the country.
A distinctive position in the wood-pellet market
White Horse Energy is the only specialist bagged wood-pellet retailer represented on the board of the UK Pellet Council.
This position enables the business to represent customer requirements at industry level and contribute to the development of standards and best practice across the sector.
The company's commitment to service has also been recognised through multiple Feefo Platinum Service awards.
Safeguarding jobs and continuity of supply
The acquisition was completed through a financial restructuring process.
The transaction safeguarded dozens of jobs, maintained continuity of operations and ensured there was no break in product supply to customers.
With normal trading resuming, the business was projected to generate more than £15 million in revenue and approximately £1 million in EBIT over the following 12 months.
“This acquisition not only secures the future of a leading supplier in the biomass industry, but also aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”
Ash Kandhari, Rex Brown
Combining marketplace and growth expertise
Ash Kandhari said Rex Brown was delighted to partner with Smarter Capital on the acquisition.
He highlighted the opportunity to drive meaningful growth and innovation by combining the expertise, resources and commercial capabilities of both organisations.
“White Horse Energy plays into the core skills and competencies of the wider Smarter Capital executive team, and there will be lots of value that can be added.”
Karl Paul, Chairman, Smarter Capital
Accelerating growth in a larger business
Karl Paul said the acquisition demonstrates Smarter Capital's continued progress in acquiring larger companies with significant growth potential.
He said the group's Executive Team has relevant skills and experience that can support White Horse Energy's development and accelerate growth over the coming years.
A multichannel growth strategy
The new owners and White Horse Energy's Executive Team have ambitious plans to grow the business through a multichannel approach.
The strategy will combine ecommerce, marketplace, direct and trade channels while strengthening customer service, product availability and operational capability.
Strategic priorities include
- Expanding sales through ecommerce and online marketplaces.
- Strengthening direct-to-consumer and trade propositions.
- Improving supply-chain resilience and product availability.
- Building on the company's established customer-service reputation.
- Using Smarter Capital and Rex Brown expertise to accelerate growth.
Positioned within a growing renewable-heating market
The global market for firewood products, including logs, pellets and briquettes, is expected to grow as consumers and businesses seek renewable alternatives for heating and cooking.
White Horse Energy is well positioned to respond to this demand through its specialist product range, integrated supply chain and established national customer base.
Growing awareness of environmental sustainability and renewable-energy options provides a strong backdrop for the company's future development.
About White Horse Energy
White Horse Energy is a leading UK supplier of wood pellets, kiln-dried firewood and wood briquettes.
The company serves domestic and commercial customers and operates an integrated supply chain supported by its processing facility in South Africa.
Visit White Horse EnergyAbout Smarter Capital
Smarter Capital partners with ambitious businesses and provides strategic, operational and acquisition support to accelerate sustainable growth.
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