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Deal Information

In July 2009 LDC supported the £5.6million management buy-out of Modelzone.

Modelzone Holdings, the owner/operator of Modelzone, is the UK’s largest model retailer, and Amerang, wholesale agent in the UK for overseas suppliers in the model and hobby industry. The MBO was led by CEO, David Mordecai, supported by the group’s new non-executive Chairman, Terry Norris.

LDC’s initial £5.9 million investment will be supported by further £3.6 million funding over three years to enable David Mordecai and his team to further enhance the group’s market-leading proposition and implement an accelerated retail roll-out plan, a core element of the investment strategy. In addition the group will make selective acquisitions.

Modelzone offers a broad range of high-quality models including plastic kits, die cast collectibles, remote control vehicles, railways and slot racing. The company is a niche retailer in a highly fragmented sector, which caters for both the casual shopper and dedicated collector alike, Modelzone operates from 29 stores across the UK. Outlets include Bluewater, Lakeside, Metro Centre, The Trafford Centre and Meadowhall, as well as stores in major cities such as London, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds.

LDC has facilitated key appointments to the team, including Norris as non executive Chairman and non-executive Directors Julian Tucki (previously The Works) and Paul Worthington (previously Kingfisher), who together they bring over 75 years’ of wide retail experience to Modelzone, including store roll outs, retail format development, merchandising, sourcing and online sales.