Completed sale
Ceramics Direct
Ceramics Direct has been sold, bringing a long-running Northern Ireland tile distribution business into new ownership and allowing its shareholders to move into retirement.
Established in 2000 and based in Kilkeel, Ceramics Direct imports ceramic and porcelain tiles from factories across Spain and Italy. Its range includes tiles for external paving, internal floors and internal walls, with collections selected around design, availability and suitability for trade customers.
The business has built its position around Northern Ireland’s independent tile market. Rather than operating as a general retailer, Ceramics Direct supplies approximately 40 independent tile shops, supported by a wider customer base across the contractor, designer and retail sectors.
A key part of its appeal was the strength of its customer relationships. Many of Ceramics Direct’s leading customers have traded with the company for between 15 and 25 years, giving the business an established route to market and a trusted place within the regional tile supply chain.
Availability also formed a clear part of the company’s value. Ceramics Direct holds extensive stock, helping orders to be fulfilled on demand, with next-day delivery available for independent retailers, contractors and designers working to customer requirements and project timescales.
The business also supports customers by merchandising its tile range for display in their showrooms, helping retailers present collections directly to their own customers. Day-to-day activity is overseen by an operations manager with around 20 years of industry experience, supporting continuity across sales, customer representation, order processing and dispatch.
Knightsbridge positioned Ceramics Direct around the qualities most relevant to an acquirer: exclusive tile sourcing, dependable availability, long-standing customer relationships, operational experience and scope for further growth.
The business also presented a number of development opportunities, including product diversification, geographic expansion, a more targeted marketing strategy and the potential to grow its customer footprint into Southern Ireland. Further scope was also identified through complementary product lines, such as wood-effect laminates, waterproof shower panels and associated fit-out materials.
Commercial Executive Helen Bainbridge handled the transaction through to completion, with Regional Commercial Director Chris Darroux representing the opportunity. The sale completed within five months of the business going live, with David Mahon acquiring the company.
The transaction allows the shareholders to step into retirement, while providing continuity for a specialist distributor with established customer relationships across Northern Ireland’s contractor, designer and retail sectors.
The Knightsbridge team wishes the Ceramics Direct shareholders every happiness in retirement, and every success to David Mahon as he takes the business forward.