A Fresh New Start For Hillarys

Hillarys, famous for making high quality blinds for homes across the UK, has been sold for £300m. The sale of the Nottinghamshire-based blinds manufacturer was backed by investor Ares Capital Corporation and has now been taken over by Hunter Douglas, an internationally renowned window covering business based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

With a turnover of £185m, Hillarys has three sites – two in Nottinghamshire and one in Washington, Tyne & Wear – and employs 1,3500 people. Hillarys chief executive officer, John Risman, explains: "We provide outstanding products and unsurpassed service that, together, deliver great value to our customers.

"This opportunity allows us to accelerate our plans for growth and provide an even more compelling customer experience for all of our customers.

"We are excited to be working with such a dynamic company with its expertise across all aspects of the window furnishing business. "This makes it ideally placed to support Hillarys' growth strategy and expansion in the coming years."

Hunter Douglas’ co-presidents and chief executive officers, David and Marko Sonnenberg added: "We are delighted to have Hillarys join the Hunter Douglas family of companies, adding a strong brand and value offer, as well as an exceptional management team."

Hillarys was established in 1971 and rapidly became a market leader in blinds, curtains, shutters and awnings, later on adding carpets and floorings to its product portfolio. In 2016, Hillarys £152 turnover in 2015 listed them 23rd by Nottinghamshire’s Top 200 Companies 2016. Hillary’s new deal with Hunter Douglas will not entail changes to senior management team and business will run as usual from its Colwich Industrial Estate headquarters. Neil Sutton, Hillary’s deal partner confirmed: "It was great to support John and the management team on a successful sale which will position the business for continued growth.

"Hillarys is a great success story of a UK business which has gone from strength to strength. This is an exciting time for the business following the investment by Hunter Douglas and we wish them every success."