Equestrian retailer Frogpool Manor in Kent has been taken over by Speedgate saddlery.
Longfield company Speedgate Enterprises Ltd has bought the goodwill and assets of the Chislehurst-based Frogpool, which was run by the Dyer family for over 25 years.
Former Frogpool director David Dyer will now trade as David Dyer Saddles, and will continue to fit and supply saddles from the Frogpool Manor premises.
Speedgate’s managing director Ashley Hollands told H&H the purchase had been under discussion for a year, and that no decision has been made about the future of the Frogpool Manor name.
“We know there is great value in the Frogpool brand, and the next step is to integrate commercially — but Frogpool will certainly continue to exist in some way.”
Speedgate was set up in 1974, and the saddlery and equestrian business established in 1982, by Mr Hollands’ mother.
Mr Hollands said he hoped the combination of both businesses would allow Speedgate to offer: “a sold range of horse and rider essentials across both stores and an outstanding representation of specialist and premium products in individual stores.”
He added: “This deal represents for an excellent opportunity for growth, bringing improved service and value for money to the existing customer base of both businesses.”
David Dyer said he is looking forward to working with Speedgate as a “true one-stop shop” while devoting more time to saddle fiting, his “true area of expertise”.
