The MBO, for an undisclosed sum, is led by Neil Campbell who has worked with Displayplan since 1992 and will now become executive chairman.

The deal, backed by YFM Equity Partners’ British Smaller Companies’ Funds, will help the business develop its product line. Asset-based provider GE Capital and The Co-operative Bank provided invoice discounting and senior debt on the MBO.

Displayplan is a retail display consultancy and typical products include bespoke point of purchase (POP) stands in supermarkets. Founded in 1984, the company currently employs 50 people across its headquarters in Hertfordshire and China.

Mary Broadhead, investment director at YFM Equity Partners says: ‘Displayplan is a mature business with great potential to undertake transformational growth of the services and products it offers to its brand and retail customers across Europe.’

Mark Turner, senior business development manager of The Co-operative Bank, says: ‘We believe the business has a bright future under its experienced and innovative management team.’