Lily O’Brien’s

Date of CCI investment: 2014

Description: Premium boxed chocolate and desserts manufacturer

Website: www.lilyobriens.com

Investment Team:
Jonathan Cosgrave
Esmond Greene
Robert Easton

Status: Realised

Established in 1992, Lily O’Brien’s is an Irish-based manufacturer involved in the sale and distribution of premium branded chocolates and potted desserts.

Although well established in Ireland, Lily O’Brien’s is an export-led business with more than 80% of its revenue coming from international sales across 15 countries, including the UK, USA and Australia. Its primary product focus is branded chocolate, offering diverse ranges of gifting, every day, self-treat and seasonal products.

CCI acquired a majority stake in Lily O’Brien’s in January 2014. Under CCI’s ownership, Lily O’Brien’s generated exceptional revenue growth and margin enhancement through a focused international growth strategy.

In January 2018, CCI agreed the sale of Lily O’Brien’s to Colian Holdings SA, a Polish food, beverage and confectionary company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

Value Creation Case Study

Results

+40%

Revenue

+100%

EBITDA

+100%

UK Supermarket Sales

+65%

Cumulative Capital Expenditure