Birketts has advised the Milbank Group (Milbank) on its purchase of the UK’s leading post-surgery wear specialist, Nicola Jane Ltd.

Headquartered in Essex, family-owned company, Milbank, has now added the UK’s foremost mastectomy and post-surgery wear specialist, Nicola Jane Ltd, to its existing portfolio of diverse businesses. Although predominantly known for their precast concrete products, Milbank’s other businesses currently include Cadman Cranes, ARK Agriculture, Sui Generis International and Orion Future Technology.

Founded in 1984 and based in Chichester, Nicola Jane Ltd has 25 employees and operates a mail order business, taking orders via their website and telephone and selling to customers in destinations including Hong Kong, Israel, USA and Spain. Offering a specialist collection of mastectomy bras and swimwear suitable for wear after all types of breast surgery, including lumpectomy, mastectomy and reconstruction, Nicola Jane focuses on restoring customers’ confidence and femininity following a breast cancer diagnosis. Alongside these products, Nicola Jane offers a specialised bra-fitting service, with clinics providing personalised advice and the option to try products on.

Milbank acquired Nicola Jane following a successful retirement sale; it is hoped that the company can extend its customer base, whilst remaining committed to its sustainable ethos.

The deal was led by James Allen (Corporate), with additional assistance provided by Simona Gruodyte (Corporate) and Isabel Wightman-Cooper (Property).

Sean Milbank of the Milbank Group said: “Nicola Jane is a great business providing outstanding products with a caring and friendly service to their customers. Having such a beacon of customer focus within our Group can only help us further improve in an area that we already pride ourselves in. Nicola Jane falls firmly into the category of being diverse from the rest of our Group businesses, which is part of our own growth strategy.”

Peter Lawrence, founder and Managing Director of Nicola Jane Ltd, said: “I feel confident that Milbank will be able to grow the elements that have helped Nicola Jane to become so successful over the last three decades. I am sure they will continue to provide the unparalleled customer service Nicola Jane Ltd are known for within the industry and I wish them the very best in developing the existing e-commerce division.”

James Allen, Partner in Birketts’ Corporate Team said: “It was a pleasure to support Milbank in another deal and we are confident that their latest business acquisition will be well positioned to flourish, built as it is on values that speak perfectly to the organisation’s ethos. Claire-Marie Farrar, General Manager, and Melissa Muvuti, Operations Manager, will continue to support the team and ensure business continuity. We wish Milbank every success with their newest addition.”