Darrell Lea’s sweet deal

ICONIC confectionary maker Darrell Lea has sold for about $200 million to a Sydney investment group with plans to grow the once-troubled firm.

Quadrant Private Equity chairman Chris Hadley confirmed late yesterday that his group had acquired a majority stake in the company, renowned for its licorice and Rocklea Road goods.

Gold Coast-based rich listers Tony and Christina Quinn bought Darrell Lea in 2012 for about $25 million after it fell into voluntary administration.

The couple injected about $30 million into the business.

Earnings nearly doubled to $23 million in the last financial year and annual sales exceeded $110 million.