Barber of Sheffield, a UK tattoo supplies business, is seeking
further expansion in Europe following its acquisition of
France-based Northstar Tattoo Supply, which supplies some 1,500
tattoo parlours throughout France and Belgium.
The acquisition sees Northstar founder Amandine Valette stay with
the business for a short period to assist with the transition.
Barber confirmed that sales staff will continue to work in France
though distribution will be handled from the UK. It is
distributing a new French catalogue and is due to launch a new
website for the acquired brand soon.
The company’s expansion follows its success in securing a
multi-million-pound investment in May from venture capitalist
Enterprise Ventures (EV) and PHD Equity Partners to finance its
growth plans.
Barber was established by Tony Crane in 1991 to sell stainless
steel needles and blades to vets, however it is body art products
that now account for the bulk of its turnover. It supplies tattoo
studios with equipment for piercings and tattoos and has its own
brands including Black Widow needles and gloves and Chameleon
piercing aftercare products, which it sells alongside other
manufacturers’ brands.
Tony Crane explained, “We have been planning for some time
to move into Europe. This first acquisition gives us access to
the French market, which is a similar size to the UK.” He
added that he is keen to take the business further and is on the
lookout for “other suitable companies in Italy, Germany and
Holland, in particular”. Barber has also set up an own
operation in Spain with the appointment of an agent and the
launch of a Spanish website.
Share