UK: BGF takes minority stake in family-owned Monkfield Reptile

BGF has completed a multi-million-pound minority investment in Monkfield Reptile, the Cambridgeshire family-owned reptile nutrition and habitat specialist founded by Jo Wise in 1980, which now has more than £27m in revenue and 135 staff.

News: A 40-year family pet-trade specialist takes growth capital to push further into the US while keeping its independent character and trade relationships.

Why it matters: UK mid-market growth investors remain active in founder- and family-led niche consumer brands with export potential.

Radar: Watch for further UK specialist pet and animal-trade businesses raising minority capital to fund international expansion.

People involved

• Jo Wise – Owner.
• Matt Negus – Management.
• Paul Miley – Management.
• Rebecca DeNiro – Buyer.
• Matt Connor – Buyer.

A name here does not mean that person signed the purchase agreement.

Source: BGF, 11/04/2026.