John Rothery Wholesale has acquired Napier Limited in a deal securing the future of the British gun care and shooting accessories brand.
Completed on 31 July 2026, the acquisition includes the Napier brand, intellectual property, product portfolio, technical expertise and manufacturing knowledge.
John Rothery Wholesale has distributed Napier products for many years and described the acquisition as a natural progression. The company intends to combine Napier’s established product development expertise with its own investment, stockholding and nationwide distribution capabilities.
The deal forms part of John Rothery Wholesale’s long-term strategy of investing in specialist brands, expanding its product portfolio and supporting independent retailers.
Sean O’Driscoll, managing director of John Rothery Wholesale, said: “Napier is a company that I have admired for 39 years. Steve and Lin Rowe have built an exceptional business based on innovation, quality and integrity, and we are proud to be taking that forward. Brands like Napier are rare, and when the opportunity arose to secure its future, we knew we had to act.
“We believe the best years of the Napier brand are still ahead.”
Steve Rowe added: “When we decided the time was right to sell the business, John Rothery Wholesale was the obvious choice. It has been our largest customer for many years, understand our products and, just as importantly, share the same values and commitment to customer service. I know the business is in safe hands and that the Napier brand will continue to develop while remaining true to the principles on which it was built.”
Existing Napier product ranges will continue to be supplied through the established wholesale channels, with no interruption anticipated. Retailers will also gain access to John Rothery Wholesale’s stockholding, sales team and distribution network.
O’Driscoll said: “This acquisition is about far more than adding another brand to our portfolio. It reflects our long-term commitment to investing in the shooting industry, protecting respected British brands and giving them the support they need to thrive for decades to come.
“Retailers can continue ordering with complete confidence, knowing they will receive the same trusted Napier products, backed by the service, availability and investment of John Rothery Wholesale.”
Now in its 55th year, John Rothery Wholesale supplies more than 6,000 product lines to hundreds of independent shooting and outdoor retailers in the UK and overseas.