L Catterton has entered into a definitive agreement to make a strategic investment in Seki Furniture, Japan’s largest wholesale residential furniture company. 

The deal is designed to leverage L Catterton’s consumer-sector expertise to support Seki’s continued expansion across retail and commercial channels.

Founded in 1968, Seki has evolved from a wholesaler into an omnichannel business with brands such as RELAXFORM and CRASH GATE. It operates 26 physical stores, sells through e-commerce platforms, and serves a growing base of corporate clients in sectors including hospitality, offices, and healthcare. The company holds the largest share of Japan’s wholesale residential furniture market.

The investment comes as Japan’s furniture industry continues its steady growth trajectory, fuelled by urbanisation, new household formation, and demand for commercial furnishings.

Taka Shimizu, Partner at L Catterton, said: “Seki Furniture has grown over the past 57 years under the steady leadership of its founding Seki Family, as well as its chief executive officer Hideki Haruta, a 27-year company veteran. They have built a solid enterprise that has thrived across several macroeconomic cycles, and strategically and successfully expanded into multiple product and customer segments. We are honored to be part of Seki Furniture’s next chapter of growth and look forward to working closely to create value.”

Seki CEO Hideki Haruta added: “We are delighted to welcome L Catterton, a firm with a strong global track record of investments in the consumer industry, as our partner. Going forward, we will work together with L Catterton to achieve further medium- to long-term growth and enhance our corporate value, while continuing to provide our customers with services and products that deliver lasting value.”

L Catterton, which manages around $38bn in equity capital, has extensive experience in the home and furnishing sector, having partnered with Restoration Hardware and Boll & Branch. The investment reinforces its position as a leading global consumer-focused private equity firm.

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