We advise Kent family business Gopak on its sale to Willowbrook Education

Jobs and manufacturing to remain in Hythe, Kent. 

Gopak Limited, the Kent-based furniture manufacturer popular with schools and community organisations has been sold to Willowbrook Education Limited, the UK’s leading manufacturer of school furniture. 

The sale of Gopak to Willowbrook Education will ensure the continued manufacturing of its popular lightweight furniture in Hythe, Kent, alongside all 33 members of staff. 

Gopak was founded in the late 1940s and has remained in family ownership for its 71-year history. Its folding tables and easily stackable chairs can be found in schools, village halls and community groups across the globe. The business has grown during that time to include a full range of school furniture and staging. 

Willowbrook Education, established 25 years ago, is the UK’s leading manufacturer of school furniture and based in Rutland where all its furniture is produced. Willowbrook’s portfolio of products, include library, including fit outs, storage, cloakroom, early years and soft seating along with their own fabric printing facilities. 

Our Corporate Finance team advised Gopak on the sale with Furley Page providing legal advice. Willowbrook Education was advised by Integrity Group and Excello Law. 

Andrew Fieldwick, ex-Managing Director, Gopak Limited said: “The decision to sell the business after more than 70 years of family ownership was extremely difficult and not one taken lightly. A key requirement of the sale was to ensure jobs and manufacturing remain in Hythe, Kent, and this has been achieved.  

“We have known the Willowbrook Education team for many years and have huge respect for the work they do and the products they make. The Gopak family of products, the jobs and the manufacturing expertise are in excellent hands. 

“I would also like to extend our thanks to Darren and the team at Kreston Reeves for their timely and insightful advice. They supported us on every step of this journey and this successful sale would not have been possible without them.” 

Adam Wells, Managing Director of Willowbrook Education said: “Gopak is one of the most renowned furniture brands used by schools and community groups the world over. There is unlikely to be a school or village hall in the UK that does not have one or more of its folding tables and stackable benches, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire such a respected and long-established business.’ 

“We will invest and build on the skills and expertise Gopak in Kent ensuring schools have access to the widest range of furniture possible.” 

Our team was led by Corporate Finance Director Darren Hurdle, supported by Corporate Finance Manager Akshar Patel and with tax advice from Corporate Tax Senior Manager Mohammed Mujtaba. 

Darren said: “It was a privilege to have worked alongside Andrew at Gopak and Adam at Willowbrook Education on this sale. Gopak is an important employer in Hythe and its future in the town has been secured. Combined, Willowbrook Education and Gopak will be at the forefront of specialist furniture for schools across the world.”

If you would like more information, or would like to enquire about how we could help you, please contact a member of our team.