STEAMER TRADING

Background

Steamer Trading is a UK based speciality retailer of cookware and kitchenware. The business was established in 1985 and grew to an estate of 42 stores, primarily around the south east of England.

Turnover had grown from £11m in 2008 to £24m by 2015. In 2016, the group acquired Divertimenti, a premium cookware retailer and cookery school, and Kitchens Cookshop, a smaller regional chain in the South West. By 2018, Steamer Trading had grown into a £31m turnover business but was suffering from margin pressures due to foreign exchange rate fluctuation related to Brexit.

Hilco Capital's role

• Extended a working capital facility to the business when the incumbent lender wished to exit
• Provided ad hoc head office retail and financial support to Steamer Trading’s management team
• Additional funding provided to support further turnaround initiatives
• Provided analytical support to the company’s management team and advisers to facilitate their strategic decisions

Results

• Delivered funding on an accelerated timetable to ensure business continuity
• Hilco’s flexible approach enabled the facility to be increased as required to facilitate the turnaround
• Stabilised the business, which provided the platform for the sale of Steamer Trading to the market leading independent chain, ProCook