RKW has completed the purchase of the porcelain and earthenware brand, creating up to 100 new jobs in Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire-based company recently acquired Wade from administrators BDO after it went into administration in December 2022. The company was founded in 1810 by Colonel Sir George Wade in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
RKW is the trading division of family-owned Sutton Venture Group (SVG). Chairman Rob Sutton, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Wade to RKW’s stable of top consumer brands. Wade is over 200 years old and steeped in heritage. It is recognised in both the UK and America for its high quality ceramic products. There was strong competition during the sale process, particularly from the US and I am delighted that we have been able to acquire Wade and keep it in Stoke-on-Trent, the home where it was founded.
“RKW has a talented team with a proven track record of brand building and Wade complements our existing portfolio of houseware brands. The brand is perfectly aligned to strengthen our ambitious international growth plans. The acquisition will create up to 100 new jobs at our head office in Fenton and Staffordshire-based distribution centre.”
Philip Jordan, business restructuring associate director at BDO, added: “Whilst it’s sad to see the demise of companies like Wade, achieving a deal which will rescue the historical brand and create jobs across Staffordshire is great news. There was a lot of interest in Wade and after careful consideration, it was decided that the merits of SVG’s offer provided the best outcome for the interests of Wade’s creditors.”
