Established in 2007 by Founders Steve Oliver (CEO) and Walter Gleeson (COO), the Macclesfield-based company has become the largest operator of its kind in Europe, now employing over 500 people and serving customers in over 80 countries Worldwide. 

musicMagpie.co.uk purchases CDs, DVDs and Games direct from consumers and is nationally advertised on both terrestrial and digital television channels in the UK. The brand is fast becoming a household name and consumers from all across the UK are turning to musicMagpie.co.uk to de-clutter their homes and make a little extra cash whilst doing it.

The Company’s Valuation Engine software is unique to the business and the entertainment product market, enabling musicMagpie.co.uk to offer consumers an individual price for each CD, DVD and Game they want to sell. Items and materials purchased are then sold through a range of online, retail and wholesale channels with a large proportion being traded internationally.

With LDC’s support, musicMagpie.co.uk will advance its online purchasing and sales capabilities overseas, further leveraging its already strong partnerships with global industry players and will launch a series of consumer marketing campaigns in key central European countries, as it sets out on its international expansion programme. The Company also plans to further invest in its distinctive and industry leading IT systems. 

The Company has appointed Allan Leighton as Non-Executive Chairman. Leighton brings with him some unrivalled experience, having held CEO and Non-Executive Chairmanships at Asda (Walmart), the Royal Mail and Lastminute.com. Leighton is currently the Deputy Chairman of Selfridges & Co., Chairman of Pandora Jewellery and a Non-Executive Director of BSkyB. His unparalleled diversity of experience will assist management in their expansion domestically and in overseas markets. 

The Executive Management team is made up of Steve Oliver, Walter Gleeson, Jon Eeles (FD) and Eren Ozagir (CD), whilst Jonathan Bell, Investment Director at LDC, will join the musicMagpie.co.uk board. 

Steve Oliver, CEO at musicMagpie.co.uk, said: “Consumers are increasingly looking to sell their unwanted CDs, DVDs and Games online, because the service we offer is easy and free to use, which means de-cluttering their homes is hassle free and they make some extra cash too. 

“The next phase of our international expansion has already begun with the launch of our German website, which is already showing some very encouraging results. With the backing of LDC, an investor renowned for developing international opportunities for its portfolio businesses, and with the contribution to the team by Allan Leighton, we hope to further develop the musicMagpie.co.uk brand and our strong trading performance in the UK, in other countries.” 

Jonathan Bell added: “The replay entertainment market has an estimated sales value of £1 billion per annum and we expect growth to be approximately 10 per cent per annum over the next three years due to growing consumer popularity and awareness of online selling and the continuing penetration of these key media formats.

“musicMagpie.co.uk holds an enviable and unique industry position, and has enjoyed significant growth in recent years as a result of its motivated, industry experienced management team, targeted consumer marketing, and leading IT systems. The company is well placed to further penetrate the UK and overseas markets and continue its rapid expansion. This transaction highlights our commitment to supporting ambitious UK businesses in achieving their growth potential in the UK or overseas.”

Allan Leighton, Chairman of the Company, commented: “musicMagpie.co.uk’s intelligent Valuation Engine and bespoke IT systems, coupled with its strong links to online global output channel operators, gives it a unique foundation from which to further develop into new territories and to maximise the opportunities closer to home.

“I look forward to working with the business’ dynamic and entrepreneurial management team, who have positioned the business well for the next phase of growth that will see the Company accelerate its international sales and increase its share of the UK replay CD, DVD and Games categories.”