GCP invests in Cooke Optics

Growth Capital Partners (“GCP”), the UK SME specialist private equity firm, has invested in Cooke Optics, a specialist provider of Academy Award Winning cinematography lenses for multiple film and digital applications. Initium advised the shareholders of Cooke during the transaction.

First founded in 1886 and based in Leicester, Cooke is a major name in the international film production industry. Cooke’s products have been used to shoot historic expeditions, Hollywood productions and contemporary high-end films and television series including the Harry Potter franchise and Game of Thrones.

The business produces several specialist product ranges to achieve the premium cinematic look valued by cinematographers. GCP invested alongside the management team including Chairman Les Zellan and CEO Robert Howard.

GCP realised its investment in Cooke in 2018, with Caledonia Investments plc investing in Cooke to support the next phase of growth, developing new products and investing in production capacity. Over the period of GCP’s investment, the business successfully developed new products and grew the range of Cooke lenses from four to seven, invested in a new production site, and achieved impressive financial growth.