The firm making merchandise for Premier League giants Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur has won a £5m investment.
Foresight Group has announced the growth capital investment into tech-led business Fourth Wall Creative (FWC), which services the football industry, and whose customer base currently includes ten top flight clubs.
The investment will allow the company to deliver "significant growth" within its existing markets and capitalise on "clear opportunities" in Europe, across other sports and in non-sporting organisations.
The team also has plans to develop new products and software packages that will facilitate further growth.
Anton Botes, founder and CEO of FWC added: “FWC has grown rapidly over the past three years and we're delighted to have secured Foresight as our strategic partner to help us grow the business even further.
"We’ll continue to invest in our services and further develop our software offering to complement our awarding-winning creative team and innovative merchandise manufacturing.
"We’re excited about the future and will strive to remain the industry leader, providing 360-degree solutions and support to our customers within the beautiful game and beyond.”
Based in Bromborough, Wirral , FWC was established in 2010 by Mr Botes and Joe Moroney, after spotting a need for improved services for design and sourcing of merchandise in the football market.
Since then, the business says it's established itself as a "market leader" in design and fulfilment of branded merchandise, with its contracts also including several Championship clubs.
And the firm has also benefited from Premier League clubs' success - helping Liverpool FC organise and plan their Champions League victory parade after the Reds' famous win in Madrid.
Using several software packages to automate the process of ordering and tracking products, FWC uses a 360-degree solution, which it says saves customers hours of administration that came with merchandise fulfilment.
David Miles, investment manager at Foresight, said: “FWC has grown rapidly in recent years due to its exceptional reputation in the football sector.
"Throughout the process we have been impressed by the team’s ambition and commitment to innovation and quality of service. We are very excited to partner with Anton and the team to support the company in continuing on its impressive growth trajectory.”
In addition to its investment, the 13th made by the private equity team this year, Foresight has introduced Richard Styles, founder and former chairman of Kitbag.com, as non-executive chairman.
The firm said Mr Styles will use his "extensive industry experience" and contacts to support growth over the coming years.
