Yorkshire HQ of Mamas & Papas is sold in £8.4m deal
THE HEADQUARTERS of nursery manufacturer and retailer Mamas & Papas has been sold to investors in an £8.4m deal.
The freehold of the 175,211 sq ft Huddersfield site was acquired by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by funds managed by ARA Dunedin.
The SPV acquired the entire site from Clearbell Capital for £8.425m, which reflects a net initial yield of 5.91 per cent.
Gordon Kellie, head of origination at ARA Dunedin, said: “It’s great to have added another high-quality, mid-sized box to our portfolio, that is in a sought-after location with a strong and wellknown tenant in place.”
The modern building sits within an established industrial location on Colne Bridge Road, which is less than two miles from Junction 25 of the M62 Motorway.
Mamas & Papas completed a £10.3m sale and lease back of its headquarters in Huddersfield in 2017 following restructuring of the group in 2014.
It has leased the site, which includes a high bay distribution warehouse interlinked to a twostorey office building, until May 2029.
The investment team at Leeds property agent, Gent Visick (GV), acted for the SPV and Clearbell Capital was represented by CPP.
Garry Howes, director of investment at GV, said: “This is the global HQ and sole distribution centre for well-known baby brand Mamas & Papas, which has 30 stores across the UK and has been in business for more than 40 years.
“Market demand for modern freehold logistics warehousing, with strong tenants like this is high.
“Its location and grade A specification combined to deliver an attractive investment opportunity for our client.”
The modern unit also includes showroom and exhibition space, an outlet shop that is open to the public and parking.
Mamas & Papas was founded more than 40 years ago in Huddersfield by David and Luisa Scacchetti. The family retain a minority shareholding in the group.
The business has been owned by Blue Gem Capital Partners,
the private equity backer of London’s famous Liberty department store, since 2014.
A total of 34 stores were closed between 2014 and 2016 in order to reduce costs and ensure a profitable retail portfolio.
In 2019 it closed a further six shops as part of a pre-pack administration.
The company currently has 26 stores across the UK.