Whittard’s Saved From Becoming High Road’s Latest Casualty

Coffee and tea company bought out by a private equity firm

Whittard’s has been saved from becoming the latest casualty of the High Road after it was bought out by private equity firm, Epic.

Whittard’s, which was owned by Icelandic investment company Baugur, was placed into administration and the business and its assets sold to Epic for an undisclosed sum as a going concern according to Retail Week. All of the stores, including the Chiswick branch, remain open.

Founded in 1886 by Walter Whittard, the tea and coffee company has 130 stores in the UK. Baugur acquired Whittard for £21.5 million three years ago.

December 30, 2008