Snowdrop Independent marks first acquisition since MBO with Hearing and Mobility’s store takeover
South Wales mobility retailer Snowdrop Independent Living has opened a new mobility aid showroom, taking over Hearing and Mobility’s Cardiff branch.
The shop will retain its existing staff and knowledge confirmed the company, while also benefitting from Snowdrop’s twenty years of customer and industry expertise and manufacturer relationships.
Located on Merthyr Road in Whitchurch, the new store will take Snowdrop Independent’s store portfolio to four, adding to its existing in Haverfordwest, Swansea and Penarth mobility stores.
Kevin Bounds, Chairman of Snowdrop Independent Living, commented: “Whitchurch is an exciting addition to our retail branch structure and is further evidence of our intention to increase our presence in Wales through targeted expansion. The team at Whitchurch fit perfectly with our core value of helping our customers live happier and more independent lives.”
Founded in 1999 by Peter O’Shea, Snowdrop distributes and retails an extensive range of mobility products, having developed organically from a single showroom in Pembrokeshire before growing to cover all areas of South Wales.
In April 2019, with founder Peter O’Shea retiring after two decades in the sector, Snowdrop Independent underwent an MBO, backed with a £500,000 equity investment by the Development Bank of Wales, where it promised it would open more showrooms.
The Hearing and Mobility mobility store takeover marks the first acquisition for Snowdrop Independent Living under the new management structure.
David Morgan, Managing Director for Snowdrop Independent Living, commented: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome the team in Whitchurch to Snowdrop and feel that they will add even more skills to our Snowdrop family.”
Mark Halliday, Portfolio Development Executive for the Development Bank of Wales, finished: “David and the team at Snowdrop have worked hard since their successful management buyout earlier this year. The opening of their Cardiff store in Whitchurch village is testament to that. They have safeguarded jobs and ensured a valuable service remains available to customers who need mobility aids and assistive technology. It’s been a pleasure supporting them as they get ready for the opening of the Whitchurch store. We’re looking forward to a positive on-going partnership as Snowdrop continues to grow.”
