Bates Wells advises the founders of House of Hackney on buyout of private equity investment

Bates Wells has advised the founders of British B Corp interiors brand, House of Hackney, on the buyout of existing private equity investors to return the business to full founder ownership. The transaction was partly financed by a crowdfunding campaign through a bond offer managed by Triodos Bank UK.

For over a decade, House of Hackney has embedded environmental and social responsibility into the way it does business; from becoming B Corp certified in January 2021, to gaining Living Wage Employer accreditation in 2023.  In the same year, it appointed a ‘Mother Nature and Future Generations’ Director to its board, a role ensuring the impact of the company’s decisions on nature and future generations are formally considered.  This was the second time ever a business made such an appointment.  With the return to full founder ownership, House of Hackney can now further invest in its mission of becoming a restoration project in nature, craft, community and connection.

Nirav Patel, Partner, David Hunter, Senior Legal Counsel, Oliver Scutt, Legal Director and Robbie Speakman, Solicitor, advised on the launch of the bond offer, the buyout of existing investors and the governance and structure of the House of Hackney group post-transaction.

Nirav Patel, Corporate Partner, commented “It has been a pleasure to assist the House of Hackney team with this transaction and the structuring of the group moving forward. House of Hackney’s regenerative model, supported by sustainable financial and governance structures, sets a new industry standard for what profit with purpose can look like.”

Ruth Coleman of House of Hackney, says “This marks the start of a new chapter for House of Hackney.  The buyback of our company from private equity shareholders gives us the freedom and autonomy to fully deliver on our mission.  We could not have accomplished this without the help of the Bates Wells team.  Nirav and Robbie offered exceptional support, were responsive to my many questions and concerns and their expertise and problem-solving made all the difference.”