Navig8 Advisory supports £390m sale of DIY Kitchens to Howdens Joinery PLC

Langricks Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce that its advisory team, Navig8 Advisory, acted as family advisor and coordinator to the Ellis family on the successful sale of DIY Kitchens to Howdens Joinery PLC, which completed this week in a transaction valued at £390 million.

The transaction represents a landmark moment for one of Yorkshire’s most successful manufacturing businesses and a true example of the ambition, resilience and innovation that characterises many family-owned companies.

DIY Kitchens was founded in 1982 by Alf and Clare Ellis from their garage after they were unable to afford a kitchen for their new home and decided to build their own. From those humble beginnings, the business developed into a highly successful manufacturer and retailer, built on a commitment to quality, efficient production and exceptional customer service.

Following Matt Ellis joining the family business, he was instrumental in transforming the company’s approach by moving the business online and establishing DIY Kitchens as a fast-growing disruptor in the kitchen market. Combining Alf’s passion for efficient manufacturing, Matt’s vision for digital growth, Olivia Ellis’s focus on quality design, and Clare’s dedication to supporting the company’s people, DIY Kitchens has become a truly remarkable family business.

Today, DIY Kitchens is recognised as the UK’s largest online kitchen retailer, supplying high-quality kitchens and units directly to customers nationwide. Supported by two large destination showrooms and a third currently under development, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering outstanding products at competitive prices.

The acquisition by Howdens Joinery PLC marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for DIY Kitchens, creating opportunities for further growth while enabling Howdens to expand its customer base and enter the non-trade customer market for the first time.

Commenting on the transaction, Chris Langrick, Managing Director of Navig8 Advisory, said:

It has been a genuine pleasure working with the Ellis family over the years, earning their trust to support them through such a monumental event in their lives.  I feel proud to have played my part in their remarkable story.  I wish the Howdens team every success in continuing to build on the strong foundations laid by the Ellis family and especially to Julian Lee who joins the business alongside Matt Ellis.

Navig8 Advisory, part of Langricks Chartered Accountants, provides expert guidance to business owners throughout the sale and acquisition process. Working alongside clients and their professional advisers, Navig8 helps shareholders navigate complex transactions, maximise value and achieve their strategic objectives.

The transaction was supported by a highly experienced advisory team:

• KPMG Corporate Finance – Giles Taylor, Ed Crocker, John Levis, Sharna Ledbetter, Becci Ousby and Nathan Potton
• Squire Patton Boggs (legal advisers) – Paul Mann, Mae Salem, Amelia Sharkey, Hannah Donovan, Joshua Astill-Headley and Mark Hardy
• Navig8 Advisory and Langricks Chartered Accountants – Chris Langrick, Will Sant ACA and Steven Barlow

Navig8 Advisory and Langricks Chartered Accountants would like to congratulate Alf, Clare, Matt, Olivia and the entire DIY Kitchens team on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they begin the next phase of their journey with Howdens.

About Navig8 Advisory

Navig8 Advisory is the specialist advisory service within Langricks Chartered Accountants, supporting business owners and shareholders through significant business milestones, including company sales, acquisitions and strategic transactions.

With a focus on understanding each client’s personal and commercial objectives, Navig8 provides experienced guidance throughout the transaction process, helping businesses prepare for sale, identify opportunities, manage negotiations and achieve maximum value.