W&R Barnett has acquired a majority shareholding in Symphony Group, one of the UK’s largest producers of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture. The transaction amount was not disclosed.
Symphony, which operates under brands including Laura Ashley Fitted Furniture, Gallery, Linear, Koncept, and Urbano, recorded revenues exceeding £325 million in 2024. It serves B2B clients including private developers, social housing providers, merchants and independent retailers. The company employs over 1,800 staff across four manufacturing sites in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
This move marks a strategic investment by W&R Barnett, a fourth-generation Northern Ireland-based business with a global portfolio in commodity trading and industrial sectors. The investment aligns with Barnett’s focus on acquiring and scaling operationally sound businesses with established workforces.
The Gregory family, previous majority owners of Symphony, will retain a substantial minority stake and remain involved at the board level. Paul Whitehouse, recently appointed managing director and a 23-year veteran of the business, will continue to lead the executive team.
The transaction was supported by a range of legal and financial advisors on both sides. Sentio Partners led the deal for the Gregory family, while firms including Macfarlanes, Walker Morris, KPMG, EY, PwC and McKinsey advised various aspects of the transaction.
