Wick Hill Deal Paves The Way For Further Growth And International Expansion

In a deal announced today, Rigby Private Equity, the private equity arm of Rigby Group Investments, has made a significant investment in specialist, high value-added distributor Wick Hill Group. The deal will allow Wick Hill to grow further in the UK and Germany, as well as giving it a major opportunity to expand into Europe and the Middle East.

Both Wick Hill and Rigby Private Equity stressed that it will be business as usual in the future. Wick Hill will continue with the same staff and management team, led by Ian Kilpatrick, and with the same market-making, high value-add philosophy that has made it a leading VAD in both the UK and DACH regions. Rigby Private Equity is an autonomous, independent entity within Rigby Group Investments.

Ian Kilpatrick, chairman Wick Hill Group, commented: “This deal gives Wick Hill an opportunity for major growth and the chance to take our successful distribution model across Europe and the Middle East. Some of our vendors and potential vendors, as well as some of our customers, have been asking us for an international network, with our value-add model, and we will now be able to deliver that. It’s a logical next step for us and we’re very confident about the opportunities for our staff, vendors and resellers. I am looking forward to what will be a very exciting time for the company.”

Paul Eccleston, head of Rigby Private Equity, said: “Rigby Private Equity has been formed to identify established companies with both a great value proposition and plans for strong growth. Our aim is to invest in these companies, so we can support the acceleration of their growth plans. Wick Hill has been an established leader in high value distribution for more than three decades, with Ian and the team having a great reputation for service, as well as having strong plans for growth. Rigby Private Equity is delighted to be joining the team, to help achieve those plans. This is an exciting time for us, for the Wick Hill team and for Wick Hill’s customers and vendor partners.”