John Hardy has been sold to 3i Group plc and management

Lincoln International, a leading global mid-market investment bank, today announced that John Hardy, Ltd. (“John Hardy” or the “Company”) has been acquired by management, including Chief Executive Officer, Damien Dernoncourt and Creative Director, Guy Bedarida, and private equity firm 3i Group plc. John Hardy was started by John and Cynthia Hardy 18 years ago and developed into one of the world’s leading jewelry brands. Lincoln International served as exclusive financial advisor to the Company on the transaction. Terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Hong Kong with substantial operations in the U.S., John Hardy is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-end, branded designer jewelry and lifestyle accessories sold under the John Hardy brand name. Since its formation in 1989, John Hardy has grown to become one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of handmade silver designer jewelry and the second largest designer jewelry company in the U.S. The Company’s products are currently sold in all the major department stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.

Going forward, John Hardy will take the role of brand visionary and brand ambassador, and his wife, Cynthia, will act as a merchandising consultant. “In a world of many possibilities, I have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the brand realizes its full potential,” John Hardy said in a statement. “I will now be able to do what I do best, which is to focus on environmental leadership, preservation of local culture and traditions, and social responsibility.”

Damien Dernoncourt, CEO of John Hardy, says of the transaction: “I am committed to preserving the values and culture of the company to which John and Cynthia devoted their lives. We live in a world where people care as much about how they feel as how they look, and conspicuous consumption has given way to conscientious consumption. This is a fantastic opportunity for the John Hardy Group to expand the business and further strengthen its expertise and reputation.”

“This transaction exemplifies Lincoln International’s growing consumer, retail and luxury goods practice as well as our ability to successfully execute transactions which are international in scope” says Federico Mennella, Managing Director of Lincoln International and Head of the firm’s New York office, who led the team who advised John Hardy in the transaction. “We were delighted to have had the opportunity of working with John and Cynthia Hardy in this important transaction and further demonstrate our proven track record of working with entrepreneurial founders of great businesses. We are convinced that Damien, his management team and 3i will be able to grow the Company and bring it to the next level.”

Lincoln International’s Consumer group worked closely with the Company, the shareholders and management throughout the process, and was instrumental in structuring and arranging the transaction. The group provides financial advisory services to leading public and private consumer products, food, beverage, luxury and retail companies in the U.S. and abroad.

Share: