Jollyes, one of the UK’s leading pet retail groups with over 70 superstores and concessions across the country, has been sold to Kester Capital LLP , a mid-market private equity firm.

The company, founded in 1935, was advised on the sale by Cavendish Corporate Finance, the UK’s leading sell-side mid-market M&A firm.

Kester’s investment provides Jollyes with an opportunity to significantly expand its network of stores and its service offering to its customers.

Jollyes focuses on providing its loyal and growing customer base with pet products and services that combine great quality and value and over time has developed a very successful range of own brand products, including its K9 and Lifestage brands. 

In 2014, Jollyes launched an e-commerce website to develop its multi-channel offering.  It has also recently expanded its offering to customers to include grooming and veterinary services in store.

Nick Pollard, Shareholder of Jollyes, said: “The Cavendish team did an excellent job and provided expert advice throughout the transaction and most importantly ensured the deal crossed the line. I am pleased that Jollyes has passed into experienced hands and I truly believe the business has an exciting future ahead.”

Fiona McCormick, Director at Cavendish, said: “Jollyes has an established position in the pet market and benefits from a highly loyal customer base. The pet care market has proven to be extremely resilient and there is a clear market opportunity for Jollyes. The new partnership with Kester enables the company to build on this position and accelerate its growth.”

Jonathan Buxton, Partner at Cavendish Corporate Finance, said: “The Jollyes transaction shows that, despite the headlines, there is still considerable value in UK specialist ‘bricks and mortar’ retail, especially where, like Jollyes, there is proof of a strong consumer following.  It was a pleasure to work with Nick Pollard over the past few years and this preparation work was essential to the transaction achieved. 

“As well as building on our pet sector and retail experience, the Jollyes sale highlights Cavendish’s ability to develop creative Private Equity solutions to match our clients’ requirements.”