20 January 2022
Terra Firma, a leading private equity investment firm, today announces that it has completed its acquisition of Hopkins Homes, the largest privately-owned housebuilder in East Anglia.
Established in 1993 by James Hopkins and headquartered in Woodbridge, Suffolk, Hopkins Homes is dedicated to the construction of exceptional, new-build homes in attractive locations. With 187 employees working across 21 sites, Hopkins Homes’ development approach is focused on sensitivity to the unique local character of each location.
Terra Firma has a strong track record in the housebuilding sector, and the acquisition of Hopkins is in line with its strategy of investing in high-quality, asset backed businesses with strong growth potential, where it can add value through its partnership.
Following the acquisition, Hopkins Homes will continue to be led day-to-day by Group Managing Director, Lee Barnard. James Hopkins will continue to own and lead Hopkins & Moore, a separate house building company to be renamed as Denbury Homes, which was not part of the sale and will now operate separately from Hopkins Homes. He will also focus on his significant charitable works.
Vivek Ahuja, Chief Executive Officer of Terra Firma, said: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Hopkins Homes into the Terra Firma family. As a regional housebuilder, it is recognised for its strong business and brand, and I greatly look forward to working with Lee and the team to drive the next phase of Hopkins Homes’ success, building on the impressive legacy that James leaves behind.”
James Hopkins, Founder and Executive Chairman of Hopkins Homes, said: “Since founding the business, our mission has always been to deliver high-quality housing that sits at the heart of communities, whilst preserving the character of East Anglia for generations to come. I have every confidence that under Terra Firma’s stewardship and the continued leadership of Lee Barnard, Hopkins Homes will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Lee Barnard, Group Managing Director of Hopkins Homes, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Terra Firma, under whose ownership we are excellently positioned for the future. On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank James for the enormous contribution he has made to the business’ success and, to wish him the very best for the future.”
Terra Firma were advised by Addleshaw Goddard, Deloitte, Savills, Arcadis and Waterman; Hopkins Homes were advised by Rothschild & Co, Osborne Clarke and Birketts.