Rapidly-growing online bathroom retailer Victoria Plumb has sold a majority stake in the business to US private equity firm TPG Capital.
The deal, thought to be worth £200m, will underpin future growth at Britain's largest internet and mail order bathroom retailer.
Hull-based Victoria Plumb was founded in 1999 by the Walker family, which bought the rights to the MFI brand after the furniture retailer went into administration in 2010. Walker Group also bought the Focus DIY brand from administrators.
The company, led by chief executive officer Jason Walker, has seen both turnover and profits soar; in its last financial year sales were up 38% to £26.2m and pre-tax profits grew by a quarter to £6.0m.
The new partnership will see Victoria Plumb take on new staff and upgrade logistics. It could also facilitate an international launch and take the company into more product categories.
Commenting on the deal, TPG principal Malte Janzarik said: "We have been looking for high-growth companies that fit into our investment theme of digital disruption. Victoria Plumb represents an exciting opportunity to build one of the leading e-commerce companies in the UK.
"We are excited to back Jason as ceo and to partner with the Walker family to take the business to the next level."
At KPMG, which advised on the deal. corporate finance partner Christian Mayo said: "Victoria Plumb attracted significant interest during the marketing process from parties hungry to back strong, consumer-facing brands with established online presence.
"It is now the right time for the management team to have secured external investment, which will catalyse the business's expansion."