Cafeology has completed a management buy-out, enabling continuity, growth, and the continued commitment to fair trade and sustainable coffee sourcing.

Established over 20 years ago, Sheffield, England-based Cafeology has built an enviable reputation as an importer, roaster, and distributor of premium, ethically sourced coffee.

From its earliest days, the company has been a pioneer in fairtrade, ethical and sustainable sourcing, long before these principles became mainstream, and has cultivated a loyal customer base spanning leading universities, major sports venues, independent coffee retailers, and cafés and restaurants across the UK.

Having each dedicated more than 20 years to building the business, the key shareholders, Andy McClatchey, Toni Unkles and Bryan Unkles decided the time was right to explore their strategic options. Hart Shaw Corporate Finance (HSCF) was engaged to conduct a full strategic review, including a market sounding exercise to assess valuation and acquisition appetite. In parallel, HSCF facilitated discussions with the senior management team, ultimately concluding that an MBO represented the optimal path, delivering value to the founders while preserving the culture, relationships, and ethical values that define the Cafeology brand.

The MBO team is led by Steve Hampshire, head of coffee, and Joe Cross, head of operations; two individuals whose expertise and passion have been central to Cafeology’s growth and reputation. The founding shareholders will remain involved over the medium term, providing continuity and ensuring a smooth transition for customers, suppliers, and staff alike.

The MBO was part-funded using significant investment from the South Yorkshire Debt Fund which is managed by FW Capital. This comes from the £20 million fund that was created by the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority to support growing businesses across Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham with loans of up to £2 million.

HSCF advised the shareholders of Cafeology Limited on the sale of a majority stake in the business to its senior management team. The transaction secures the long-term future of one of the UK’s most respected ethical coffee businesses while enabling its founders to realise value after more than two decades of ownership.

Commenting on the MBO, Bryan Unkles, founder Cafeology said, “The partial MBO allows us to continue with the ethical culture created across the business since our formation in 2003 guaranteeing a clear vision for the future. It remained integral that we continue to operate from our home in Yorkshire safeguarding the future of all the amazing people behind the company along with our external stakeholders.”

He added that “this exciting new chapter will not only underpin Cafeology’s future as an independently owner operated UK business but also enables sustainable growth with a great involvement of the people who have assisted myself, Andy and Toni over many years. Our journey as a best-in-class coffee company is far from over and appointing both Steve and Joe to the board will expand our creative thinking further as we continue to build on the solid foundations created over the last 23 years.”

Steve Hampshire, sales director, Cafeology said, “After thirteen fantastic years with Cafeology, I am incredibly proud and excited to have become a Director and shareholder. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received throughout my journey, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success and future growth of the company.”

Alex Gent, senior investment executive, FW Capital said that businesses like Cafeology are a fantastic example of the strength in South Yorkshire. “The South Yorkshire Debt Fund has been designed to improve access to finance and fuel economic growth across the region.”