Family-owned investment company, Milbank Group, continues to grow its diversified portfolio of businesses with the acquisition of Nicola Jane following a successful retirement sale. The name Milbank is synonymous with precast concrete products, however, the Group’s already diverse range of businesses includes Cadman Cranes, Sui Generis International, ARK Agriculture and Orion Future Technology.
Peter Lawrence, founder and Managing Director of Nicola Jane said, “I am delighted that we have found a buyer who is committed to the long-term stability of Nicola Jane. I feel confident that the Milbank Group will continue to nurture the business, support the staff and care for our customers – all factors which have proved critical for our success over the past 36 years. It has been my honour to build Nicola Jane to what it is today, and I wish the future owners the very best in continuing and growing its legacy.”
Nicola Jane was established in 1984 with a mission to restore confidence and femininity after breast surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis. As the UK’s leading mastectomy and post- surgery wear specialists, the small family-run business based in Chichester, West Sussex, offers a wide selection of pocketed mastectomy bras, swimwear and breast forms. Designed with comfort, security and fit in mind, the collection can be worn after all types of breast surgery including mastectomy, partial mastectomy, lumpectomy and reconstruction.
Over the past 36 years the business has grown significantly. From its operational base in the United Kingdom, it has established a strong mail order business selling directly to customers across the world via their website and telephone. Alongside, Nicola Jane offers a specialised bra-fitting service from breast care specialists posted around the UK. The fitting clinics include bra and breast form fittings, as well as a chance for customers to try on items from the range and to discuss personal requirements. In more recent years the demand for the Nicola Jane brand has seen trade sales increase across the world including customers in Hong Kong, Israel, USA and Spain.
Improving sustainability is one of the Milbank Group’s core values and this is well reflected within the Nicola Jane ethos. They are committed to the improvement of waste-reduction and focus their strategy around 3 areas: their products, their suppliers and their HQ/retail shop. Current achievements see 20% of their bras and swimwear manufactured from ‘end of line’ fabrics, usually destined for landfill, products supplied in recyclable PEVA plastic bags, and plastic cradles used to hold silicone breast forms manufactured using 100% recyclable polystyrene.
Milbank Group is committed to continuing to improve Nicola Jane’s impact on the environment, along with supporting their unparalleled service to their customers, employees and suppliers. Product quality will remain a core principle and continue at the same very high standard that the industry has come to expect.
Claire-Marie Farrar, General Manager, and Melissa Muvuti, Operations Manager, bring with them over 16 years’ experience in this industry and will take over the running of Nicola Jane with immediate effect. Both will be supported by the 25+ strong team at Nicola Jane, along with any additional support required from Milbank Group’s resources.
Milbank Group’s successful e-commerce division is well positioned to support Nicola Jane in its next stage of growth both in the UK and internationally.
Sean Milbank of the Milbank Group said, “Nicola Jane is a great business providing outstanding products with a caring and friendly service to their customers. Having such a beacon of customer focus within our Group can only help us further improve in an area that we already pride ourselves in. Nicola Jane falls firmly into the category of being different or diverse from the rest of the Group businesses, in terms of the sector that they operate in, which is part of our
own growth strategy.”
As a part of the Milbank Group, Nicola Jane join Milbank Concrete Products, Sui Generis International, Cadman Cranes, ARK Agriculture, Thomas & Fontaine (t/a Secure Covers) and Orion Future Technology. A detailed overview of each Group company can be found within the Groups website.
The acquisition of Nicola Jane Ltd was completed on Friday 29th January 2021 led by Prism Corporate Broking (buy side advisors), Birketts Solicitors and Ensors (Tax Due Diligence).
Claire-Marie Farrar and Melissa Muvuti, joint Managing Directors of Nicola Jane, will assume the management of Browns immediately while continuing their responsibilities at Nicola Jane.
Speaking on the acquisition of Browns, they said, “We have collaborated with Browns for many years and are excited to work with their talented team. Together, we aim to implement positive changes that will advance service levels, systems, and product ranges, all while maintaining our commitment to first-class service and sustainable alternatives. We look forward to applying 20 years of our knowledge from Nicola Jane to the business. Both companies will benefit and learn from each other through this partnership.”
With beneficial synergies between Browns and Nicola Jane, this acquisition further strengthens the product and service offering that both teams already offer across the country. In addition to product alone, Brown’s reputation for after-sales support and advice aligns with the group vision of investing in and developing industry leading businesses.
As part of the Milbank Group, Browns join Milbank Concrete Products, Sui Generis International, Cadman Cranes, Silostop Agri, Orion Future Technology, Nicola Jane, Xanthos Digital, and Intershape. A detailed overview of each group company can be found here.
The acquisition of Browns More Hair Now Ltd was successfully completed on Friday 31st May 2024 led by Prism Corporate Broking, Birketts Solicitors, and Scrutton Bland LLP Accountants. Browns was advised by White Jackman Limited.