Houlihan Lokey Advises Inflexion
Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Inflexion, a leading European middle-market private equity firm, has agreed to invest in Nodor Group (Nodor), a collection of the largest premium darts equipment brands in the world. The investment is being made by Inflexion’s Buyout Fund VI and the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Founded more than 100 years ago and headquartered in the U.K., Nodor has over 1,000 employees across three continents and exports to more than 100 countries worldwide. Products are manufactured in-house, and Nodor is recognised as the most advanced manufacturer of premium dartboards, darts, and related products globally. The business’ purpose-built industry-specific facility allows it to set new standards in craftsmanship and technological innovation. Products are sold via trade arrangements with major retailers and directly to the consumer. In 2024, Nodor was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, recognising its global excellence.
Nodor’s key brands, Winmau and Red Dragon, are the names behind many of the world’s most talented professionals and the world’s most advanced equipment, with Winmau being the exclusive equipment provider to the Professional Darts Corp. (PDC) and the title sponsor at the PDC World Masters.
Inflexion will use its significant experience scaling global brands to support the management team in growing the business through geographic and channel expansion. It will also work with the team on product development and the use of technology to enhance the customer experience.
Florencia Kassai, Partner and Head of Buyout Fund, Inflexion, said, “We are delighted to be backing the existing family-led management team at Nodor Group, a company at the forefront of the darts industry that exemplifies innovation and excellence. Inflexion’s experience in growing businesses globally aligns perfectly with Nodor’s ambitious goals. We look forward to working with the talented team at Nodor to help them to capitalise on the sport’s growing appeal.”
Tom Pemberton, Head of Consumer, Inflexion, commented, “Nodor Group is exactly the kind of business that we look for in the consumer space. They are true market leaders with a globally admired brand, cutting-edge products, and an amazingly loyal customer base. With a platform like this already in place, we can’t wait to help support in making it an even greater global success story.”
Vince Bluck, Managing Director, Nodor, said, “Inflexion’s experience in developing market-leading businesses will ensure Nodor is well positioned to continue to be a driving force in the rapidly growing darts market. We are excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to bringing the sport to even more people across the world.”
Houlihan Lokey acted as the buyside advisor to Inflexion.
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