Target Darts, the manufacturer of teenage sensation Luke Littler, is reportedly set to be put up for full or minor sale at auction, with the Nodor Group—owners of Winmau and RedDragon—circling as a potential buyer. According to a report from Sky News, the accountancy firm Deloitte has begun contacting prospective buyers in recent weeks about a deal that could be worth in excess of £200m. However, it remains unclear whether Garry Plummer, who has worked for the brand since he was 14 before buying the business, would be willing to sell outright or retain a stake and continue to run it.
A further insider indicated that Nodor Group is determined to secure the sale. Target Darts famously sealed a £20m sponsorship deal with Littler, dubbed the largest agreement in darts history between a darts brand and a player, despite Vincent van der Voort rubbishing it. Last October, Target also confirmed that after Littler left ZXF, they would take on the management of his career.
Speaking at the time about sponsoring and managing Littler, Plummer said: “I met Luke at the BDO Youth World Championship Qualifier when he was 12, and that day his dad asked if we would sponsor him. We’d never taken on someone so young, but I saw something special in him, and saying yes was easy. Watching him grow since, as both a player and a person, has been a privilege. His achievements on and off the oche have been remarkable, and this new agreement celebrates everything we’ve built together and the exciting future ahead.”
Target Darts seemed to confirm the news to Sky, stating that they are exploring moves to grow the brand even more, which does not confirm that they are in the market to fully sell it. Previously, it was said that they expect a 40% surge this year in revenue from the record £106m accrued in the previous year. “Target has established themselves as the world's most innovative and leading darts brand through sustained investment in products, technology, elite player partnerships and initiatives designed to grow the sport globally,” the company said. “The ambition extends beyond manufacturing world-class darts equipment. The company is investing in technology, connected experiences, grassroots participation, players and commercial venue concepts, with a long-term vision to grow and enhance the sport of darts around the world, and as such, the management team are exploring strategic external partnership opportunities to support and accelerate the next phase of the company's already rapid growth.”
