Clearly Drinks Group Ltd (the Group) is an independent soft drinks company, based in Sunderland, which owns and manufactures a range of well-established branded products, as well as offering an array of private label filling services.
The Group was formed in May 2015, through the merger of Contract Bottling Limited (private label filling services) and Speaking Water Group (owner of a number of soft drinks brands).
Clearly Drinks has achieved strong revenue growth in the last 12 months, driven by its flagship sugar-free flavoured spring water brand, Perfectly Clear.
The Group appointed a new CEO in February 2016 (Finn O’Driscoll, ex SHS) to drive and implement the growth strategy. Innovative NPD (new product development) and EPD (existing product development) are at the core of the Group’s strategy.
The management team will be led by CEO Finn O’Driscoll, non-executive director Martin Thornton, operations director Mark Bell and chairman Peter Cheung.
We provided buy-side support to NorthEdge, including assistance in the preparation of a business plan and financial model, exit review, deal structuring, debt finance and other acquisition advice.
Following NorthEdge’s investment, the management team plans to invest in plant to drive production efficiencies, and bolster the sales team to deliver growth, focusing on the discounter markets.
We used our food and beverage expertise to support NorthEdge and helped deliver a transaction within a very tight timescale.
Grant Thornton was responsive and committed in their assistance on the transaction. In a very time-critical process, Grant Thornton was able to help us manage the deal in a successful manner.
John Rastrick Partner, NorthEdge Capital LLP