RKW acquires Wade

Staffordshire based consumer goods giant, RKW has completed the purchase of the Wade brand bringing up to 100 new jobs to Staffordshire. RKW the trading division of family-owned Sutton Venture Group (SVG) recently acquired the brand from administrators BDO after Wade went into administration in December 2022.

Wade, founded in 1810 by Colonel Sir George Wade, was established in Burslem, Stoke on Trent as a manufacturer of porcelain and earthenware.

RKW established in 1989 employs over 600 staff across its offices in the UK, Hong Kong, India and China. The company designs, manufactures and distributes small domestic appliances and housewares for leading brands including Black and Decker, Lavazza, Morphy Richards, Tower, Smeg, Swan, Russell Hobbs and Breville. From its 750,000 sq. ft. distribution centre based in Staffordshire, products are sold to major UK retailers which include Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Argos, B&M, Currys, Very and Amazon.

SVG Chairman, Rob Sutton, said: “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 commented, “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”.