Insider Media Limited

Clearwater Corporate Finance's Nottingham team has advised the founder of nursery and maternity retailer Jojo Maman Bébé on securing an equity investment for a minority stake in the business. The firm's consumer team supported Laura Tenison in sourcing an investor.

Clearwater secured a deal between Jojo Maman Bébé and equity partner Magenta Partners.

Sales at JoJo Maman Bébé have increased 50 per cent from £18m to £27m in the two years from July 2009 to June 2011.

There has also been a 33 per cent increase in headcount at the Wales-based business, which now employs 350 people.

Clearwater structured the deal with Magenta, whose principal founder investors are the Singh Family Trusts. Tom Singh is the founder of high-street retailer New Look.

Director at Clearwater, Gareth Iley, said: "We had long been admirers of Laura Tenison and the way in which she and the management team at JoJo Maman Bébé have developed such a successful multi-channel retail model.

"Laura has now found the right investor that will provide growth capital to the business, and Magenta will work alongside her to strengthen the management team and grow the business. This deal is testament to the faith that private equity investors continue to show in the consumer sector for businesses with a strong proposition and brand, and adds to our experience of advising entrepreneurs on these specialist transactions."

A team at Squire Sanders Hammonds provided legal advice to JoJo Maman Bébé.