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HUNTER ATTRACTS MORE PRIVATE EQUITY
HUNTER’S celebrity profile has helped the upmarket wellington boot maker attract more private equity funding. Hutton Collins said yesterday it was providing £32m to support Searchlight’s acquisition of the company. In the year to 31 December 2010 Hunter reported a turnover of £56m and profits of £16m. The company’s profile has been dramatically raised in recent years after it became the footwear of choice for fashionable British celebrities such as Kate Moss (pictured at Glastonbury) and Alexa Chung, and last year the brand launched a limited edition collection in collaboration with shoe designer Jimmy Choo. Searchlight’s acquisition, revealed in December, will help Hunter expand into new markets and related products.