LeMieux is renowned as an iconic equestrian brand. Its products, which are sold through 500 traditional and online retailers in more than 90 countries, are designed to provide maximum comfort and performance for both horse and rider and are the choice of world class riders, including multiple Olympic and World Champion Charlotte Dujardin.
The business was founded in 2004 by Lisa and Robert Lemieux, a former professional event rider, British National Champion and Olympian.
Enhancing an established brand
In 2021, LDC invested for a minority stake in the business. LDC is backing LeMieux’s ambitious management team, led by Lisa and Robert, to accelerate its growth in the UK and overseas, and further expand its horsewear and rider wear offering.
As part of the transaction, retail veteran and ex-CEO of Joules, Colin Porter, joined the business as Non-Executive Chairman.
We knew the time was right to accelerate our rate and scale of growth, which is why partnering with LDC was a natural step for us given their track-record of supporting brands like ours and taking them to the next level.”
Making a jump in global growth
Just two years after LDC invested, LeMieux reported double digit sales growth. The business generated a turnover of £42.8m (2023), a 16% increase from 2022. International sales grew by over 50% while LeMieux’s UK sales continue to grow positively. EBITDA also grew significantly and turnover has increased by more than 88%.
As part of this growth, LeMieux drew on its experience in craftmanship to target international expansion, broaden its product development and evolve its categories.
Investing in people
To further support the business’ continued growth and expansion, the investment from LDC has enabled LeMieux to strengthen its team. Headcount has grown by over 185%, with it now employing more than 100 people. Senior appointments were also hired including a new Head of North America and to strengthen its sales and marketing team in the UK.
Sustainable ambitions
LeMieux partnered with equine welfare charity World Horse Welfare to raise funds for the charity’s vital work via its website’s checkout portal.
The business is also focused on ensuring its growth is sustainable and has adopted several
initiatives including eco-friendly packaging and the launch in 2023 of its Earth range, its first
dedicated environmentally conscious range, which aims to transform waste into fashion by
using recycled materials. We also introduced the management team to another portfolio company Sedex, a sustainability data and technology provider. Sedex’s platform enables LeMieux to access advanced data and analytics on more than 80% of its manufacturing partners, to enuure sustainability also extends to its supply chain.
We are now even better placed to unlock value in key markets overseas and, with continued support from the team at LDC and the network they have introduced us to, we are well on our way to achieve our ambitions to be the most exciting equestrian brand in the world.”
Identifying opportunities for consumer brands to grow
Joe Tager, Investment Director at LDC, shares his thoughts on how transformational shifts in the sector are creating opportunities for innovative consumer companies including LeMieux.
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