Owners of the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, Cavern City Tours, sell business to London-based investor following a ‘standout’ financial year which saw revenues rise above £12m and the firm’s net assets valued at £21m. Tony McDonough reports

Owners of Cavern City Tours in Liverpool have sold the business to a London-based investor after pocketing £1.5m in dividends thanks to a “standout year”

Founded by Ron Jones, Gerry Murphy and Bill Heckle in 1983, the business operates across five strands – The Cavern Club, the Cavern Pub, the Cavern Live Lounge, Cavern Restaurant and the Magical Mystery Tours. It employs around 150 people.

In July LBN revealed the company’s latest annual accounts which showed annual revenues rising 5.2% to £12.2m with pre-tax profits hitting £3.2m after coming in at just under £3m in the previous year.

Current majority shareholders George Guinness and Bill Heckle shared dividends of £1.5m, identical to the previous year. 

Now 14 Collective, a London-based business that was only incorporated in March 2026, has agreed to acquire the company. It is by Liverpool-born Keith Blackhurst and Roderik Schlosser, who is chief executive.

Majority shareholder of 14 Collective is London-based Luke Stratton. He is also a director of two other businesses – Valore Property Group and Valore Asset Management – according to Companies House.

Neither Cavern City Tours nor 14 Collective have revealed the value of the deal but, according to its most recent accounts, Cavern City Tours had net assets of just over £21m.

People come from all over the world to pay homage to The Beatles, who first played The Cavern Club in Mathew Street more than 60 years ago. They visit Liverpool all year round and especially during Beatles Week in August. Cavern City Tours has captured a big slice of this spend.

In particular, The Cavern Club, which has been at the heart of Liverpool’s music scene since 1957, welcomes more than 1m visitors every year.

Bill Heckle said: “It is an emotional day, but a proud day, for the four Scouse owners. It was never about putting Cavern City Tours up for sale to the highest bidder and it has taken over five years to find a suitable and like-minded custodian.

“The decision to hand over the reins was not taken lightly, but with all of the shareholders being of advancing years, it was time for retirement.

“However, we leave with the confidence that the new owners will continue to follow the path we have forged over the last 43 years of Cavern City Tours, including 35 years owning The Cavern.

“This iconic piece of music history will continue to be a pivotal and important element in both Liverpool’s economy and its tourism industry, welcoming fans and visitors from all over the world.”

DTB Business Solutions, supported by Langtons Accountants and John Spofforth, corporate partner and head of professional services sector at Brabners, advised the existing owners on the transaction.

READ MORE: Liverpool city region visitor economy close to £7bn

In a joint statement, Keith Blackhurst and Roderik Schlosser, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted with the legacy of the Cavern Club and its related businesses in Keith’s home city of Liverpool.

“The Cavern, which played such an extraordinary role in the story of The Beatles, is an iconic part of Liverpool’s vibrant culture.

“We look forward to working alongside the existing management team, with a real appreciation for what makes the Cavern so special and excitement about what comes next.”