Inverleith acquires stake in chocolate manufacturing firm Montezuma’s

Scottish investment firm Inverleith has acquired a significant stake in UK-based Montezuma’s for an undisclosed price.

Established in 2000 by Helen and Simon Pattinson, Montezuma’s produces chocolate bars, truffles and gift products.

Montezuma’s co-founder Helen Pattinson said: “We are delighted to have secured Inverleith as the majority investor into Montezuma’s. After 18 years at the helm, we knew this was the right time to seek additional investment and the right partner.

“It was extremely important for us to find and work with an investor partner who would recognise and respect the company and brand we have created and love, our values, our innovative approach and the quality of our products.”

As a majority stakeholder in the chocolate manufacturing firm, Inverleith noted that the company will be able to further expand its distribution footprint in the UK as well as in the overseas markets.

Inverleith also said that it will support Montezuma’s in expanding its product range and include new product varieties such as vegan chocolate.

Inverleith managing partner Paul Skipworth said: “Montezuma’s is a fantastic addition to Inverleith’s expanding portfolio of consumer investments.

“Montezuma’s is a quality British chocolate manufacturer with exciting product innovation in areas such as dark, 100% cocoa, flavoured and vegan and non-dairy chocolates. It is already a leading player in the high growth segments of the chocolate market with enormous opportunity for the brand both in the UK and internationally.”