Business for sale

Business description

Recognised as one of the oldest of its kind in the area with some of its outlets dating back to the 1930’s, this business, purchased by the current Owners in 1997, is a chain of seven dry cleaning and laundry outlets and is arguably one of the largest independent operators left in the south of England. Operating from very well-suited leasehold premises in predominantly prime retail locations in major towns and villages across some of the most affluent areas of Surrey this is a high quality, well-equipped business. Although it has some commercial work from local hotels and schools it primarily serves the domestic sector. Taking advantage of the benefits a large number of outlets brings, each shop performs a specific role within the chain – two are dry cleaners, three are laundries with the two other outlets acting as ‘receiving depots’ feeding business into their respective partner outlets with the appropriate equipment. Dry cleaning makes up approximately 65% of turnover and laundry, the remaining 35%. The business deals with all types of garments and linen including duvets, curtains etc and has a particularly strong presence in shirts.

With a High Street presence in some cases dating back more than seventy years this is a very well established business with its respective outlets fixtures in the towns and villages in which they are located. They are all firm favourites with their Clientele offering as they do complete clothes and textile care. This business takes great pride in offering a high standard of Customer service, whilst still operating a realistic price list. The company maintains a high level of repeat business from customers - including several celebrities that live in the respective catchment areas. Generally prominently positioned, the outlets are the exclusive operators in their respective locations, often forming part of the key retail offering in a town or village. Perceived as local businesses they are supported very well by their local communities. Offering a collection and delivery service, a significant proportion of the customer base will send every item requiring laundry and dry cleaning to this business.

The company has regularly invested in good quality capital equipment on an ongoing basis allowing it to keep pace with demand and maintain standards as the business has grown and developed. Based in small town and village locations, overheads are on the low side ensuring high levels of gross and net profits for the business.

A strong brand in its region, this is a large scale business with an opportunity to match. With turnover for the financial year ending March 2008 of almost £628,000 – a figure consistently achieved in recent years, with gross profits in the region of 90%, this represents an excellent acquisition opportunity for any organisation looking to acquire a major regional presence in the dry cleaning and laundry sector in the southern Home Counties