Sustainable furniture manufacturer joins growing employee-owned community

We’ve supported Rochdale-based sustainable furniture manufacturer (and fellow B Corp) Crystal Doors to become an employee-owned business.

Crystal Doors has transitioned to employee ownership through the establishment of a new Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) to preserve its culture and foster further sustainable growth.

The deal — which was led by our specialist employee ownership team — will see managing director Richard Hagan retain an active role in the business. Founded in 1994, Crystal Doors manufactures and supplies vinyl wrapped doors and accessories for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom retailers using wood from sustainably managed forests.

The transition to employee ownership also maintains the carbon neutral business’ commitment to halving its total value chain emissions by 2030 as it targets reaching net zero across its operation before 2050.

The deal represents the 15th business that we’ve supported on the transition to employee ownership this year — our strongest year to date. We have one of the UK’s largest Employee Ownership advisory teams, led by partner Stephen Hadlow.

Logros Advisory Partners provided corporate finance advice and Claritas Tax delivered tax advice on the deal.

Richard Hagan, managing director at Crystal Doors, said: “The success of Crystal Doors is owed to our people and the unparalleled culture we’ve built, so their wellbeing and participation in the future of the business is hugely important. Given our commitment to sustainable industry and a better future for the planet, becoming employee-owned represents the perfect way to provide them with meaningful, shared ownership of the business.

We’re really pleased to have been guided through the transition by Brabners as a fellow B Corp and a purpose-led business that shares in valuing people, planet and profit as measures of success.”

Stephen Hadlow, partner in the corporate team at Brabners, said: “We’re seeing more and more businesses adopt employee ownership given the benefits it brings in terms of inclusivity, engagement and growth — demonstrated by the high volume of EOT deals completed this year despite broader M&A activity slowing.

The timing and evolution of Crystal Doors’ sustainability strategy has very much mirrored our own as a firm, so it’s a pleasure to have supported throughout the process.”

Lee Dinsdale, Managing Director of Logros Advisory Partners, added: “It was clear from early on that becoming employee-owned was the perfect solution for Crystal Doors. Not only will it preserve the culture that Richard has built, but it reflects his commitment to sustainable growth. We're so pleased to have been a part of this journey and wish the business the very best for the future.”

Thinking of becoming an employee-owned business? Find out more.