Key Capital Partners (Key), the UK private equity firm specialising in lower mid-market growth investments, has exited Darts Corner, the UK specialist darts retailer and brand owner, following its acquisition by private equity firm Ethos Partners.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Bolton, Darts Corner is a global e-commerce platform, with proprietary brands including Mission, Ruthless, and Designa. The business now serves customers in over 100 countries and is recognised for its technical expertise, premium product range, and support for both professional and aspiring players across major competitions.
Since Key’s investment in 2020, the firm has worked closely with CEO Craig Heenighan and the senior team to deliver a transformation strategy focused on brand development, international growth, and operational enhancement. This included investment in digital systems, infrastructure, and team capability to support scale and efficiency.
During Key’s investment period, revenues almost doubled from £11m to over £21m, driven by strong performance across direct-to-consumer, marketplace, and trade channels.
