Could manufacturer merger be on the cards? Target Darts look to cash in on Luke Littler effect with company behind Winmau circling amid potential £200m+ sale

Luke Littler is now managed by Target Darts, his longtime manufacturer and they could be about to cash in on his success with the company set to be put up for full or minor sale at auction.

In news confirmed by Sky News, Target Darts could even be subject to a merger of sorts with Nodor Group who own Winmau and RedDragon determined to acquire the brand and further their grip on the sport.

As per the report, Deloitte an accountancy firm had begun contacting prospective buyers of Target Darts in recent weeks about a deal which could be worth in excess of £200m. Albeit the same report said it was unclear whether the brand ran by Garry Plummer who has worked for them since he was 14 before then buying the business would be willing to sell the business or retain a stake and continue to run it.

But a further insider said that Nodor Group was determined to secure the sale. Target Darts famously sealed a £20m sponsorship deal with Littler which was dubbed the largest agreement in darts history between a darts brand and a player despite Vincent van der Voort even rubbishing it. Last October, they also confirmed after Littler left ZXF that they would be taking on the management of his career.

“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," said Plummer at the time about sponsoring him and managing 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.”

They seemed to confirm the news to Sky, saying that they are exploring moves to grow the brand even more, which doesn't, though, 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 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.”