Gambit Corporate Finance LLP has acted as lead financial adviser to the shareholders of the Nodor Group on its investment from leading European mid-market private equity firm, Inflexion.
The Nodor Group was founded over 100 years ago and is the largest collection of premium darts equipment brands in the world. Headquartered in the UK, Nodor has over 1,000 employees across three continents and exports to over 100 countries worldwide. Products are manufactured in-house and Nodor is recognised as the most advanced manufacturer of premium dartboards, darts and related products globally. The business's purpose-built industry-specific facility allows it to set new standards in craftsmanship and technological innovation. Products are sold via trade arrangements with major retailers as well as direct to the consumer. In 2024 Nodor was awarded with the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade recognising its global excellence.
Nodor’s key brands, Winmau and Red Dragon, are the names behind the world’s most talented professionals, and the world’s most advanced equipment with Winmau being the exclusive equipment provider to the Professional Darts Corporation (“PDC”) and the title sponsor at the PDC World Masters.
Inflexion will use its significant experience in scaling global brands to support the management team growing the business through geographic and channel expansion, as well as working with the team on product development and the use of technology to enhance customer experience.
Flor Kassai, Partner and Head of Buyout Fund at Inflexion, commented,
“We are delighted to be backing the existing family led management team at Nodor Group, a company at the forefront of the darts industry that exemplifies innovation and excellence. Inflexion’s experience in growing businesses globally aligns perfectly with Nodor’s ambitious goals. We look forward to working with the talented team at Nodor to help them to capitalise on the sports’ growing appeal.”
Tom Pemberton, Head of Consumer at Inflexion, commented,
“Nodor Group is exactly the kind of business that we look for in the consumer space. They are true market leaders with a globally admired brand, cutting-edge products and an amazingly loyal customer base. With a platform like this already in place, we can’t wait to help make the business an even greater global success story.”
Vince Bluck, Managing Director at Nodor, commented,
“Inflexion’s experience in developing marketing leading businesses will ensure Nodor is well positioned to continue to be a driving force in the rapidly growing darts market. We are excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to bringing the sport to even more people across the world.”
Gambit acted as lead advisors and were responsible for initiating, structuring, negotiating and project managing the transaction. The M&A team at Gambit was lead by Partners Frank Holmes and Sam Forman.
Frank Holmes, commented,
“It is rare to have the chance to work with ‘the’ worlds leading brand within a given sector and the Nodor Group is undeniably that in the darts world. The Bluck family has anchored the company and its brands at the forefront of the sport with a worldwide presence, whilst constantly driving innovation and quality.
This is a uniquely exciting time for the sport of darts and for the Nodor Group to continue to build on its legacy and reach new heights alongside an equally accomplished partner in Inflexion. We are pleased to be able to play a part in what is already a huge success story and even more eager to see what comes next.”
Sam Forman, Partner at Gambit, added,
“It has been a pleasure to work with Vince, Fiona, Alex and the whole Nodor team. What they have created over multi-generations is truly world leading. It was imperative to find a partner that shared the same vision and enthusiasm in the opportunities that lie ahead for the company and the sport of darts.
Maintaining the legacy and reputation of the brands with recognition from the likes of PDC, numerous world champions and number ones and loyal customers is just as important. The partnership between Nodor and Inflexion is a perfect match and paves a way for the business to go to the next level on the global stage”.
Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by Osborne Clarke with KPMG supporting on tax related matters.
