Target Information

Eden Mobility, founded in 1998 by longtime business partners David Hughes and Karl Howe, has positioned itself as a leading retailer of mobility equipment in the UK. With its first showroom located in Bentley, Doncaster, Eden has expanded to operate 32 stores throughout the country, employing over 100 staff. Known for its exceptional customer service and comprehensive aftercare, the company is headquartered in Scunthorpe and aims to further grow its presence across the UK with the support of an investment from Foresight Group.

The company's products are tailored to enhance mobility for its customers, particularly as demographic trends shift, with the 2021 census indicating that the proportion of individuals aged 65 years and older has increased from 16.4% to 18.6%. Eden's offerings empower elderly customers to regain independence and freedom in their daily lives.

Industry Overview

The UK mobility equipment sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by an aging population and increased demand for products that facilitate independent living. With technological advancements and innovations in mobility aids, the industry is evolving to offer a wider range of products that cater to the diverse needs of elderly consumers.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of maintaining independence among the elderly, leading to heightened awareness and demand for mobility solutions. As more individuals look to regain their mobility and autonomy, retail markets for mobility equipment are expected to expand significantly.

Despite being a growing market, the industry remains relatively unconsolidated, indicating potential opportunities for new entrants and existing players to capture market share. Companies that prioritize high-quality service and customer experience, like Eden, are well-positioned to thrive in this competitive landscape.

The industry's potential is further underscored by ongoing investments in infrastructure and a focus on enhancing the availability of these essential products within local communities. As the market matures, there are promising prospects for companies involved in mobility solutions to innovate and expand their offerings, fostering sustainable growth.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The investment from Foresight Group aims to bolster Eden Mobility’s growth trajectory by providing the necessary capital for expansion. By supporting the elevation of key members within the management team and onboarding experienced leadership, Foresight is focused on executing an aggressive growth strategy within the mobility retail space.

The partnership is anticipated to not only enhance Eden's operational efficiency but also enable the company to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, thereby solidifying its position as a leading retailer of mobility equipment in the UK.

Information About the Investor

Foresight Group, established in 1984, is a prominent UK-based private equity and infrastructure investment manager. With a strong focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, Foresight manages over 400 infrastructure assets and has a robust portfolio of regionally focused investment funds. Their expertise in handling over 3,000 business plans annually demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable and impactful investments.

Foresight Group operates across multiple countries including Europe, Australia, and the United States, with assets under management reaching £12.4 billion as of December 2023. As a listed entity on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, Foresight's investment strategy aims to yield attractive returns while driving impactful changes in the sectors they invest in.

View of Dealert

The investment in Eden Mobility is seen as a strategic move by Foresight Group, given the strong growth potential of the mobility equipment market driven by demographic shifts and evolving consumer needs. With an aging population, the demand for high-quality mobility solutions is likely to persist, offering Eden a favorable position for expansion.

Additionally, the appointment of seasoned executives from prominent retail backgrounds to Eden's leadership team strengthens its operational capabilities and enhances prospects for accelerated growth. This proactive approach by Foresight in fortifying management strategically aligns with the objectives of scaling the brand nationally.

Furthermore, the focus on elevating existing talent within the company, combined with the infusion of new executive expertise, suggests that Eden is on a trajectory to improve its service delivery and customer engagement. These elements could position Eden favorably against competitors as the market becomes more consolidated.

In conclusion, this partnership creates a promising pathway for Eden Mobility to establish itself as a dominant player in the UK mobility equipment sector, making this investment a potentially wise decision by Foresight Group given the favorable market conditions and robust company foundations.

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