Wed, 15 Jul 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Lancashire upholstered furniture manufacturer Buoyant Upholstery has been acquired by Ashwood Designs Group, in a transaction that provides an exit for NVM Private Equity, generating a 3.3x return for investors.
Nelson-based Buoyant Upholstery, which was founded in 1909, manufactures the vast majority of its products in the UK, operating with a skilled workforce of more than 550 employees.
The firm has continued to respond to growing demand for high-quality, design-led furniture under NVM’s ownership, developing its product range and strengthening relationships with both its independent customer base and major retail customers.
In the year to September 30 2025, Buoyant Upholstery Limited reported turnover of around £49.3 million, up from £41.8 million a year earlier, while operating profits more than doubled from slightly over £1 million to close to £2.5 million.
Ashwood Designs Group’s acquisition of Buoyant is reported to create the UK’s largest sofa manufacturing group. Post-acquisition, Buoyant’s entire executive team will remain with the business as it begins the next phase of its growth journey.
According to Buoyant Upholstery, the sale is expected to "provide a platform for further growth while preserving the values and craftsmanship the company has built its reputation on".
Joel Rosenblatt, chair of Buoyant Upholstery, commented: "NVM has been a highly supportive partner throughout our investment, helping us to invest in the business and continue building on Buoyant’s proud manufacturing heritage.”
Alex Wilson, Investment Director at NVM Private Equity, added: "Buoyant is a great example of the type of business we are proud to support: a well-established company, with a highly skilled workforce and an exceptional management team.
"We are delighted to have worked alongside Mike and Joel, true industry leaders, to have delivered another successful outcome for our investors."
John Rennie, CEO of Dunham Massey Investment Group (DMIG), which has owned Ashwood Designs Group since 2023, said: “Buoyant has built an outstanding reputation over many years for producing high-quality upholstered furniture and has earned the trust of both retail partners and consumers across the UK.”
"This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to bring together two exceptional British manufacturers who share the same values of craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and customer focus. By combining our expertise, resources, and talented teams, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering and continue investing in British manufacturing."
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