Premium chocolate brand secures Inverleith LLP investment

Montezuma’s, an independent manufacturer of premium artisan chocolate, has received investment from Edinburgh-based private equity firm Inverleith LLP.

The specialist consumer brands investor has acquired a majority in the Company from Helen and Simon Pattinson who founded the company in 2000.

Montezuma’s manufactures chocolate bars, truffles and gifting products, runs a subscription ‘Chocolate Club’ and has retail stores in the south-east of England and London. Founded by husband and wife team, Helen and Simon Pattinson, with a chocolate shop in Brighton eighteen years ago, the Company has grown into a leading independent player in the premium UK chocolate market.

Montezuma’s prides itself on its ethical standards since its inception. It combines this with a highly innovative and fun approach to chocolate manufacturing and is recognised for the quality of its chocolate and its award-winning flavour profiles. All Montezuma’s products are manufactured in the UK at its own facilities in Chichester by its highly skilled workforce.

The investment from Inverleith LLP will see the company expand the distribution of its chocolate products in the UK and overseas, continue its focus on chocolate innovation, with products such as its vegan, dairy free, “Like No Udder” chocolate bar as well as its ground-breaking 100 per cent cocoa “Absolute Black” products.

Montezuma’s’ co-founder Helen Pattinson said: ‘We are delighted to have secured Inverleith LLP as the majority investor into Montezuma’s. After eighteen years at the helm, we knew this was the right time to seek additional investment and the right partner. It was extremely important for us to find and work with an investor partner who would recognise and respect the company and brand we have created and love, our values, our innovative approach and the quality of our products.”

Simon Pattinson said: “We feel Inverleith fully understands the brand’s future, shares our continued passion for what we have developed and will ensure that we capture new opportunities for the brand both at home and overseas.”

Following the majority sale to Inverleith LLP, after a period of transition, Helen and Simon Pattinson will step back from the day-to-day running of the business, whilst retaining roles as Ambassadors and Directors for the Company.

Inverleith LLP managing partner, Paul Skipworth, said “Montezuma’s is a fantastic addition to Inverleith’s expanding portfolio of consumer investments. Montezuma’s long-standing ethical position and track record of innovation position the brand perfectly to capture strong consumer desire for authentic, premium, artisanal brands. Montezuma’s is a quality British chocolate manufacturer with exciting product innovation in areas such as dark, 100% cocoa, flavoured and vegan and non-dairy chocolates. It is already a leading player in the high growth segments of the chocolate market with enormous opportunity for the brand both in the UK and internationally.”

Michael Atkinson, Inverleith LLP operating & brand director, said “Through their passion and commitment over nearly two decades, Helen and Simon have built a flourishing British business from the ground up and established Montezuma’s as one of the most innovative and exciting chocolate manufacturers around. We are looking forward to working with Helen and Simon to bring the fun, joy, values and quality of Montezuma’s to a host of new consumers.”

Montezuma’s was advised on the transaction by Alantra, the global investment banking and asset management firm.