Artisan chocolate manufacturer Montezuma’s sells majority stake

British chocolate manufacturer Montezuma’s has sold a majority stake in the business to Scottish private equity firm Inverleith LLP.

Montezuma’s makes chocolate bars, truffles and gifting products, runs a subscription chocolate club and has retail stores in the south-east of England and London.

Founded by husband and wife team, Helen and Simon Pattinson, with a chocolate shop in Brighton eighteen years ago, the company has grown into a leading independent player in the premium UK chocolate market

All the firm’s products are manufactured in the UK at its own facilities in Chichester.

The investment from Edinburgh-based Inverleith LLP will see the company expand the distribution of its chocolate products in the UK and overseas and continue its focus on chocolate innovation.

Co-founder Helen Pattinson said: “We are delighted to have secured Inverleith LLP as the majority investor into Montezuma’s. After eighteen years at the helm, we knew this was the right time to seek additional investment and the right partner.

“It was extremely important for us to find and work with an investor partner who would recognise and respect the company and brand we have created and love, our values, our innovative approach and the quality of our products.”

Simon Pattinson said: “We feel Inverleith fully understands the brand’s future, shares our continued passion for what we have developed and will ensure that we capture new opportunities for the brand both at home and overseas.”

Following the majority sale to Inverleith LLP, after a period of transition, Helen and Simon Pattinson will step back from the day-to-day running of the business, whilst retaining roles as ambassadors and directors for the company.

Inverleith LLP managing partner Paul Skipworth added: “Montezuma’s is a fantastic addition to Inverleith’s expanding portfolio of consumer investments. Montezuma’s long-standing ethical position and track record of innovation position the brand perfectly to capture strong consumer desire for authentic, premium, artisanal brands.

“Montezuma’s is a quality British chocolate manufacturer with exciting product innovation in areas such as dark, 100% cocoa, flavoured and vegan and non-dairy chocolates. It is already a leading player in the high-growth segments of the chocolate market with enormous opportunity for the brand both in the UK and internationally.”