W&R Barnett Acquires Majority Shareholding In Symphony Group

Symphony Group - the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, fitted bedroom and fitted bathroom furniture with a turnover of over £300 million and circa 2000 employees - has announced that Belfast-based W&R Barnett has acquired a majority shareholding in the business.

W&R Barnett is a fourth-generation family business committed to owning and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees. Founded in 1896, the W&R Barnett group has grown from its origins as a grain merchant in Northern Ireland to a group of commodity trading and industrial businesses across the globe.

The current beneficial owners of the Symphony Group, Doug Gregory and his family, will retain a significant share in the business and be represented at board level. Recently appointed Managing Director, Paul Whitehouse, who has been with the business for 23 years, will continue to lead the Symphony executive team.

W&R Barnett CEO William Barnett commented: ‘‘We are very excited to invest in the Symphony Group and look forward to working with the management team to continue its success and growth’’

Paul Whitehouse, Symphony Group MD, commented: ‘‘W&R Barnett’s investment will place the Symphony Group in a strong position for long term success and strengthen our position as market leader. This deal will deliver security to all our stakeholders – employees, customers and suppliers.  We share with W&R Barnett many core values including a commitment to employee welfare, excellent customer service, innovation and an appetite for growth.’’

We are grateful to everyone who has been a part of the Symphony journey so far and thank all our staff, customers and partners for your continued support – the future is looking very bright!

Source : Symphony Group plc

Image : Symphony Group plc - drone image of Barnsley DC

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