Leeds-based Endless acquires iconic Scottish brand based on Isle of Arran

Leeds-based Endless has acquired Arran Aromatics from its administrators.

William Wellesley, the former managing director of Molton Brown Cosmetics, will join the board as non-executive chairman.  Allan Caldwell, who was previously the chief executive of Scottish Fine Soaps, has also been appointed chief operating officer.

A spokesman for Endless said: “All the employees have transferred to the new company that acquired the business and assets of Arran and all stores and operations remain open for business.”

Arran, established in 1989 by Janet and Iain Russell, is a luxury brand with annual sales of £6m. It operates from six stores in Scotland and employs more than 100 people. Manufacturing and retail operations will continue on the Isle of Arran.

Andrew Russell, the son of the founders and brand director, said: “We are delighted to have received the investment from Endless, which has been delivered at a vital time for Arran. The investment in the brand over the past few years has positioned it well for growth across a wide range of geographies and this new investment will help us make this a reality.”

Endless is an experienced retail investor, with the Bathstore and The West Cornwall Pasty Company among its previous investments.

Francesco Santinon, a Glaswegian, led the investment for Endless.

Mr Santinon said: “Arran is one of those quintessentially Scottish brands that resonates with consumers around the world. We are delighted to be working with the Russell family to continue the progress of recent years of establishing Arran on a global stage and expect to be announcing more retail stores in the future.”

Endless was advised by Grant Stevenson and his team at law firm Burness Paull and was also supported by Colin Dempster at EY.