Belfast-based W&R Barnett has acquired a majority shareholding in the Symphony Group, including The Symphony Group plc, for an undisclosed sum.

W&R Barnett is a fourth-generation family business committed to owning and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees. Founded in 1896, the W&R Barnett group has grown from its origins as a grain merchant in Northern Ireland to a group of commodity trading and industrial businesses across the globe.

The Symphony Group’s current beneficial owners, Doug Gregory and his family, will retain a significant share in the business and be represented at the board level. Recently appointed Managing Director Paul Whitehouse, who has been with the business for 23 years, will continue to lead the Symphony executive team.

W&R Barnett CEO William Barnett commented: ‘‘We are very excited to invest in the Symphony Group and look forward to working with the management team to continue its success and growth.’’

Paul Whitehouse, Symphony Group MD, commented ‘‘W&R Barnett’s investment will place the Symphony Group in a strong position for long-term success and strengthen our position as market leader. This deal will deliver security to all our stakeholders – employees, customers and suppliers.  We share with W&R Barnett many core values, including a commitment to employee welfare, excellent customer service, innovation and an appetite for growth.’’    

The Symphony Group plc was founded in 1971 and is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture under its Laura Ashley Fitted Furniture, Gallery, Linear, Koncept and Urbano brands.  The Symphony Group supplies nationally to private developers, social housing providers, merchants and independent retailers. With a turnover of more than £325m in 2024 the Symphony Group employs over 1800 people on four sites in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire with a reputation for outstanding customer service, inspirational design and a commitment to sustainability.