Gambit Corporate Finance has advised Roberto Vernaschi on his acquisition of ob&b.
ob&b is a designer and manufacturer of contemporary British furniture, operating from a factory in the Midlands and a showroom in Clerkenwell, London. Founded in 1983 by Dinah Berry and Richard Berry, the business has established a strong reputation for high-quality, sustainably produced furniture for the contract and workplace sectors.
The acquisition of ob&b marks the Vernaschi family’s return to British furniture manufacturing. The Vernaschis were closely associated with workplace furniture specialist, Orangebox. Gambit advised Orangebox on its £63 million sale to NYSE-listed Steelcase Inc. in 2018.
Roberto Vernaschi commented:
“I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to take ob&b into its next chapter. Richard and Dinah have built a fantastic business with design, product and people at its heart – values that are hugely important to me. My ambition is to build on these foundations, invest in the business and its people, and realise ob&b’s enormous potential while protecting the character that made it successful.”
Gambit’s team on the transaction was led by Geraint Rowe (Partner), Harrie Thorrington (Manager) and Sean David (Executive).
Geraint Rowe, Partner at Gambit commented:
“It has been a privilege to support Roberto and the Vernaschi family once again. This acquisition provides Roberto with a strong platform for growth. We are confident that, backed by ob&b’s excellent reputation for craftsmanship, design and quality, the business will excel under his ownership.”
