Belfast-based W&R Barnett has acquired a majority shareholding in the Symphony Group, including The Symphony Group plc, for an undisclosed sum.
W&R Barnett is a fourth-generation family business “committed to owning and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees.” Founded in 1896, the company has grown from its origins as a grain merchant in Northern Ireland to a group of commodity trading and industrial businesses across the globe.
The current beneficial owners of the Symphony Group, Doug Gregory and his family, will “retain a significant share in the business” and be represented at board level. Recently appointed Managing Director, Paul Whitehouse, who has been with the supplier for 23 years, will continue to lead the Symphony executive team.
W&R Barnett CEO William Barnett commented: “We are very excited to invest in the Symphony Group and look forward to working with the management team to continue its success and growth.”
Symphony Group MD Paul Whitehouse added: “W&R Barnett’s investment will place the Symphony Group in a strong position for long term success and strengthen our position as market leader. This deal will deliver security to all our stakeholders – employees, customers and suppliers.
“We share with W&R Barnett many core values including a commitment to employee welfare, excellent customer service, innovation and an appetite for growth.”
The Symphony Group plc was founded in 1971 and is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture under its Laura Ashley Fitted Furniture, Gallery, Linear, Koncept and Urbano brands. Supplying nationally to merchants, independent retailers, private developers and social housing providers, the business had a turnover of more than £325m in 2024 and employs over 1800 people on four sites in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
