Silverwood Brands acquires UK-based sensitive skincare brand Balmonds, furthering its strategic initiative to build a portfolio of consumer brands.

WHO: Balmonds was founded in 2007 by Natalie Balmond, focusing on making natural skincare for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The business was bought three years ago by Andrew Gerrie, who spent 20 years at Lush and is now the CEO of Hotel Chocolat. He changed the name from Purepotions to Balmonds, rebranded, and initiated a strategy for global expansion, launching dedicated websites in China and the US.

Silverwood Brands is a publicly listed business focused on identifying investment opportunities through the established network of its directors within, but not limited to, the food, organic food, wellness, lifestyle, and leisure sectors. The company intends to develop a diversified portfolio of consumer-facing brands and businesses, from established brands to smaller ventures.

WHY: This deal furthers Silverwood Brand's expansion into consumer businesses, focusing on health and beauty and specialty foods.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Joan Yu, head of the UK Capital Markets team at Armstrong Teasdale, said: "We are delighted to have assisted Silverwood with its acquisition of Balmonds Skincare, and we look forward to working with the Company on future acquisitions."

DETAILS:

• Silverwood Brands acquired Balmonds in a deal that amounts up to £8 million, to be satisfied by the issue and allotment of up to 8,013,399 new ordinary shares by Silverwood Brands Plc at a deemed share price of 85p per share to the vendors of Balmonds Skincare. 
• This year, Silverwood Brands has acquired Japanese skincare manufacturer Sonotas Corporation, Nailberry, and Lush Cosmetics. 
• Armstrong Teasdale's UK Capital Markets Team advised Silverwood Brands Plc.