Exit News: Imbiba generates 3x return from Little Houses Group in sale to Blackstone
Exit News: Imbiba generates 3x return from Little Houses Group in sale to Blackstone
Imbiba is pleased to announce its successful exit of Little Houses Group (LHG), following investment in the business by Blackstone. LHG was the inaugural investment by Imbiba’s oversubscribed second fund, which closed in October 2022 and Imbiba played a key role in the initial growth of the business and opening of its first two sites. The transaction represents another significant exit for Imbiba, generating a three-times return from the sale in less than two years.
LHG’s first site, Jaego's House in London’s Kensal Rise, opened in November 2022 and features a jungle gym, crèche, child-minding service and kids' cinema, plus a co-working office, gym, treatment room and library for adults. The 20,000 square-foot site also features a restaurant and waterside café on a canal side terrace. The business opened a second site – Jesse's House in Heathman's Road, near Parsons Green tube station – in August 2024. Both clubs have sold out membership.
Charlie Gardiner, LHG’s founder, said: “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LHG. Our mission has always been to create spaces that enhance modern family life in London, and this new partnership allows us to bring our vision to even more communities. We're grateful to Imbiba for its invaluable support and excited about our next stage of growth.”
Partner and Head of Investment at Imbiba, Lizzie Ryan, said: “It is with a heavy heart that our partnership with Charlie and the LHG team has come to an end. Charlie is one of the pre-eminent leisure entrepreneurs of his generation with an innate understanding of today's consumer coupled with an uncompromising work ethic. In LHG, Charlie, supported by Olivia [Rostron] and the wider team, has built one of the most exciting leisure brands in the UK. We wish Charlie and the team every success in the future and look forward to watching as the business continues to grow and thrive.”