BDO has advised the shareholders of Watermark Holdings Limited, a leading supplier of in-flight products to the airline industry on its management buy-out backed by funding from Frontier Development Capital (FDC).

Watermark supplies customers including British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Qantas with passenger essentials such as crockery, glassware, bedding, amenity kits and personal care products. 

The transaction gives control of the business to a management team led by the current Managing Director, Kenny Harmel. It will provide an exit for the majority shareholder Ian Linaker, the current Chair, though he will retain a minority stake and his role as Board Advisor.

Founded in 1980, Watermark is one of the longest established providers of in-flight products to the airline industry. The company, which has offices in London and Hong Kong, partners with airlines to develop bespoke products that reflect their brand and enhance the customer experience.

 

"We were delighted to support the shareholders and management team of Watermark in helping the Company secure investment from FDC. 
Watermark is one of the best-known and most-trusted suppliers in the airline industry, having supplied all the major airlines in its 40+ year history. 
This investment will help Kenny, and the management team accelerate its growth, and I look forward to seeing how the Company performs in the coming years."
Duncan Lamb, Partner