Jemella Group

In July 2007, Montagu announced the £160 million buyout of the Jemella Group, alongside the management team. Montagu have acquired a significant equity stake in Jemella as well as providing an injection of capital to fund the continuing growth in both the UK and overseas markets.

Trading under the iconic "ghd" brand, Jemella is the market leader in premium hair styling irons, complementary wet products and other hair styling accessories sold through over 50,000 professional hair salons globally. Styling irons have bought about a long term shift in the hair styling market and have become deeply entrenched in the consumers' daily routine and salons' service offering.

Through developing its product range and creating a strong hair and beauty brand targeted at the professional hair stylists; ghd has generated an exceptional following of loyal customers. The business has become the clear market leader for styling irons in the UK and has established one of the most powerful and sought after brands in the hair care industry.

Based in West Yorkshire, the company has also established successful international operations in Australia, South Africa, North America and several European countries and employs over 300 people.

Montagu was attracted to the business because of its dominant UK position and substantial growth opportunites in overseas markets and the transaction was structured and funded to support the management team in building ghd into a global brand.