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Foresight invests several million pounds into The Naked Deli Limited

ByDave Stopher

Jun 18, 2018

Foresight Group (“Foresight”) has invested several million pounds of growth capital from Foresight VCT plc (“F1”) and Foresight 4 VCT plc (“F4”) into The Naked Deli Limited (“The Naked Deli” or the “Company”).

Launched in 2014, The Naked Deli operates a number of sites is in Newcastle, offering a health-conscious and clean-eating dining experience, with a tasty range of gluten and dairy-free, vegan and paleo dishes. The first site opened in Heaton, and, after a strong social media campaign, the site reached full capacity in the first week.

The clean-eating concept has been become a popular trend, growing rapidly in the consumer sector over the past couple of years, driven by increased health concerns around processed food. It entails consumption of whole and natural state foods, which are as close to their pure form as possible, with a clear and transparent pathway from origin to plate.

The Naked Deli offers grab-and-go and dine-in options for its customers, across breakfast, lunch and dinner dayparts to cater for a broad clientele who are interested in a healthy lifestyle and great tasting nutritional food. This compliments the current growing demand for high quality, healthy restaurants.

The Company will use the investment from Foresight to bolster systems and infrastructure, and continue the rollout of additional sites around the UK. Tait Walker Corporate Finance introduced The Naked Deli to Foresight, while leading North East law firm Muckle LLP have advised the management team.

As part of Foresight’s investment, The Naked Deli is pleased to boost its team with the appointment of John Upton as Chairman. Upton was recently Managing Director of LEON and previously a member of the senior team at McDonald’s UK. Upton adds significant sector and roll-out experience.

The Naked Deli marks the 9th deal for Foresight’s private equity team this year.

 

John Cordrey, Investment Manager, Foresight Group commented:

“The Naked Deli represents an opportunity to back a strong brand with a high-quality offering, operating in the growing, healthy eating sector. Foresight will be supporting the rollout of additional sites across the UK. We look forward to working with management and pursuing the opportunities that exist for the Company.”

 

Chris Jones, CEO, The Naked Deli, commented:

“We are excited to be working closely with Foresight who have been extremely supportive of our vision to bring healthy and nutritious food to the wider market. We have had an amazing journey so far in growing our brand organically throughout the North East and look forward to our next stage of growth, in scaling The Naked Deli throughout the UK.”

Chris McCourt, Associate Partner, Tait Walker Corporate Finance, commented:

“It is a pleasure to have been able to help the founders of The Naked Deli raise the finance that will enable them to fulfil their ambition to scale up the business. With the support of Foresight and experience of John Upton I have no doubt The Naked Deli will go from strength to strength, and we look forward to continuing to work with the team.”

Matthew Walsh, Associate, Muckle LLP, commented:

“It has been a privilege to advise on this pivotal deal for a growing North East business we know well, initially as loyal customers of the deli and more recently as legal advisers. This investment sets The Naked Deli up for an exciting period of growth and we, at Muckle LLP, are delighted to be supporting the management team on this journey.”