Fri, 30 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Nottinghamshire-based outdoor equipment brand Alpkit has been brought under new ownership and secured fresh investment following a pre-pack administration process. The pre-pack deal secures all 194 jobs across Alpkit’s retail, warehouse, manufacturing and central operations.
According to the company, it has faced macro-economic pressures over the past 36 months, including a challenging retail environment, cost inflation, trade barriers and efforts to service its post-pandemic recovery loans. Despite seeking to secure financing over recent months, the company’s board stated that it faced an “insurmountable mountain”.
However, the company, which operates from 10 stores, will now continue trading after securing new investment through a pre-pack administration process. Its current leadership will remain unchanged, with the company continuing to be led by Chief Executive David Hanney, Managing Director Nick Smith and Finance Director Leigh Cannon, alongside co-founders Kenny Stocker and Col Stocker. Incoming investor Jeroen van den Berge will join as non-executive chair.
Across two crowdfunding campaigns, the company had raised close to £4.2 million from more than 4,200 investors and it has confirmed that all existing crowdfund shareholders will be offered a stake in the new company.
David Hanney says the pre-pack deal means that all staff will transfer to the new company, customer orders will be fulfilled and the company’s recovery loan legacy debts will be cleared.
Hanney said: "While today is a day of reflection on the challenges that led to this restructure - and we deeply regret the impact on our creditors, partners and shareholders - it is also the start of a vital new chapter. Under new ownership, Alpkit becomes a well-funded, more resilient business."
Jeroen van den Berge said: "What excites me about Alpkit is the strong heritage and values, leading product credentials, direct-to-consumer model and loyal membership base. I also share the team's vision of Alpkit becoming a home to other complimentary brands, similar to what was achieved with Trakke.”
In accounts for the year to October 31 2024, Alpkit Limited reported turnover of £15 million, up slightly from £14.7 million a year earlier, while operating losses remained steady at slightly over £1 million.
Its fixed assets amounted to around £991,000 at the time, with current assets valued at £6.9 million and net assets totalling slightly over £199,000.
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