LEADING equestrian company, Horseware Ireland, has attracted a significant investment by Lonsdale Capital Partners, a London-based private equity firm with strong Irish links.

It was announced yesterday (Friday) that Horseware Ireland has plans to accelerate growth and expand its market presence worldwide. Senior management, led by CEO Mark Saunders, have also invested in the company and will continue in their leadership roles.

Founded in 1985 by Dundalk entrepreneur Tom MacGuinness and his wife Carol, Horseware Ireland employs over 500 people globally, with annual revenues in excess of €40 million.

It has facilities that are wholly and directly owned and managed by the company in Ireland, the USA, China and Cambodia.

Tom MacGuinness will continue as a shareholder and a director of the company.

Lonsdale Capital Partners was co-founded by Dubliners Ross Finegan and Alan Dargan, and UK executive David Gasparro.

Ross Finegan will join the Board of Horseware Ireland. Alan Dargan has a strong interest in equestrian sports with horse breeding and training interests in Ireland where he owns a stud farm in Co Kildare.

Sign of confidence

Tom MacGuinness said: “I welcome this investment by Lonsdale which is a great sign of confidence in the growth potential and ongoing ambition of Horseware. I am excited by the possibilities this investment will provide to bring the company to a new level. I will remain closely involved with the business as a shareholder and as company director responsible for new product development.

“We have always put our deeply valued customers, consumers and horses at the centre of everything we do and I promise you that will not change.”