Jollyes Retail Group Limited has been acquired by Kester Capital LLP

Nick Pollard, owner of Jollyes Retail Group Limited (Jollyes), a leading UK pet retailer, has sold the company to Kester Capital, an independent mid-market private equity firm. Financial details have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1935, Jollyes is the UK’s second largest pet retailer with a portfolio of over 70 superstores and concessions across the UK. Jollyes focuses on providing its loyal and growing customer base with pet products and services that combine great quality and value and over time has developed a very successful range of own brand products, including its K9 and Lifestage brands. In 2014, Jollyes launched an e-commerce website to develop its multi-channel offering. Jollyes has also recently expanded its offering to customers to include grooming and veterinary services in store.

Kester Capital was established in 2007 as Greenhill Capital Partners Europe, the European private equity arm of Greenhill & Co Inc. Kester Capital is managed by a team of experienced professionals and invests on behalf of a number of blue chip institutional investors. Kester Capital is currently investing its second fund, which was raised in 2013. Kester Capital's target equity investment size is between US$7–33 million.

Oaklins Cavendish, based in the UK, advised the seller in this transaction.