Liverpool city region brand marketing manufacturer and supplier Wild Thang continues expansion with the acquisition of a Northern Ireland business. Jennie Lewis reports
Merseyside brand marketing specialist Wild Thang has announced the acquisition of Partridge Peartree Promotions Company, based in Northern Ireland.
Wild Thang, which manufactures and supplies branded materials to multiple blue chip clients, expanded into Northern Ireland earlier this year, adding to its bases in the Republic of Ireland and New Jersey in the US.
Similar to Wild Thang, Peartree is a family business that has been supplying branded materials for more than 35 years. Bringing the businesses together will offer customers “a combined 68 years of trading heritage, experience and industry knowledge”.
Wild Thang directors believe the acquisition of Peartree, run by Cark and Marc Desmond and Clare Higgins, is a “natural fit” for Wild Thang’s three year growth target, revealed by LBN in early May, that will take annual revenue from £10m to £20m.
This partnership has opportunities to share best practices across branding production facilities, ESG leadership, B Corp commitments, more sustainable procurement, service operational excellence, on-demand technology and digital innovation.
Demonstrating Wild Thang’s long-term commitment to Northern Ireland, Wild Thang directors John Howarth and Sarah Howarth have relocated to the region. Wild Thang is also engaging with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.
John Howarth said: “Completing the acquisition of Partridge Peartree Promotions marks a very proud moment for everyone involved.
“Our conversations began almost two years ago, and it quickly became clear that the alignment in values, ethics, and vision made this a genuinely strong fit, something we see as fundamental in any successful partnership.
“Carl and Marc have built a highly respected business with an outstanding reputation among clients and suppliers alike, and we are delighted they will continue to support the integration journey.
“I would also like to recognise Clare Higgins for her impressive leadership, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the team throughout this process.”
Clare Higgins added: “Like us, our new partners, Wild Thang, are a family-owned business with a passion for excellence in promotional merchandise.
“Having followed similar journeys in business, we quickly recognised a natural fit in our company cultures. This is more than an acquisition. It is a coming together of minds, shared values, and a common ambition for the future.”
In the last few years the firm has invested well over £2m in upgrading its expanding base, adding solar panels to the roof to power the business. It was those extensive efforts into sustainability that saw the firm awarded B Corp status in 2025.
Wild Thang managing director Andrew Dwerryhouse also said: “This is yet another special milestone moment for Wild Thang and the rest of the team, highlighting our continued growth ambition even after 30 years in business, to create a world-class, industry-leading company focused on being a force for good business.
“We could not be more excited to welcome the wider Partridge Peartree team into our own family business and help build on their exceptional industry reputation.”