For decades, the iconic blue and white vans of Pimlico Plumbers have been as much a part of the London landscape as red buses and black cabs. Founded in 1979 with nothing more than a second-hand van and a bag of tools, the company grew into a multi-million-pound empire that redefined “trade” services in the UK. However, recent years have seen a seismic shift in the Pimlico Plumbers owner structure, moving from a family-led British institution to a corporate subsidiary of a global private equity giant.

As of 2026, the question of who owns Pimlico Plumbers is more relevant than ever for UK SME owners watching the trend of private equity “buy-outs.” In this comprehensive guide, we explore the current ownership, the multi-million-pound deal that shook the industry, and what the original founder, Charlie Mullins OBE, is doing today.

Who is the current Pimlico Plumbers owner?

The current owner of Pimlico Plumbers is Neighborly®, the world’s largest franchisor of home service brands. Neighborly completed its acquisition of the London-based company in September 2021.

While Neighborly is the parent company, it is important to understand the hierarchy of power behind the brand. Neighborly itself is owned by KKR & Co. Inc. (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts), one of the most powerful private equity firms in the world, headquartered in New York.

From Family Business to Corporate Subsidiary

For 42 years, Pimlico Plumbers was a “founder-led” business. Today, it operates as a corporate-owned subsidiary within the Neighborly portfolio. This transition marked the end of the “Mullins era” of direct ownership, although the brand name remains synonymous with the identity Charlie Mullins built over four decades.

Key Ownership Entities:

How much did Charlie Mullins sell Pimlico Plumbers for?

The sale of Pimlico Plumbers in September 2021 was one of the most talked-about deals in the UK SME sector. While the exact final figure was subject to various performance-related metrics, the deal was widely reported to be valued between £125 million and £145 million ($173m – $200m).

The Breakdown of the Deal:

• The 90% Stake: Charlie Mullins sold his entire 90% shareholding in the company.
• The 10% Stake: His son, Scott Mullins, initially retained a 10% stake in the business and remained as Chief Executive to ensure a smooth transition.
• The Net Payout: It is estimated that Charlie Mullins “netted” approximately £110 million from the transaction after taxes and fees.

For an SME that started in a basement in 1979, this valuation represented a staggering success. It valued the company at roughly 2.5 to 3 times its annual revenue at the time, which was approximately £50 million.

Why did Charlie Mullins sell his “Empire”?

Many business observers were surprised when Mullins decided to sell. He had spent years championing the “British family business” model. However, several factors converged to make 2021 the right time for an exit:

1. Search for Investment: Originally, Mullins wasn’t looking to sell the whole company. He was seeking an investment partner to help take the brand national and eventually international.
2. The “Neighborly” Fit: Neighborly already owned 28 other brands (such as Mr. Rooter and Aire Serv). They offered a proven infrastructure for scaling trades.
3. Succession Planning: While Scott Mullins was heavily involved, the transition to a global platform provided a clear “exit” for the founder while theoretically securing the future of the 400+ employees.
4. The Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic highlighted the resilience of the home services trade, making the company an incredibly attractive asset for private equity firms looking for stable, “essential” businesses.

Who is Charlie Mullins and where is he now in 2026?

Charlie Mullins OBE is the quintessential “rags-to-riches” entrepreneur. Born in 1952 in North London, he left school at 15 with no qualifications but a clear vision: to become a millionaire plumber.

Life After the Sale (2022–2026)

In 2026, Charlie Mullins is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations or ownership of Pimlico Plumbers. His life post-sale has been a mix of luxury, political commentary, and a surprising amount of “seller’s remorse.”

• The “Biggest Mistake”: In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Mullins made headlines by stating that selling the business was “the biggest mistake of my life.” He cited a perceived decline in the “personal touch” of the brand and claimed to have received complaints from long-term customers who assumed he was still in charge.
• Relocation for Tax Reasons: In September 2024, following the UK General Election, Mullins announced he was selling his £10 million London penthouse and moving permanently to Spain and Dubai. He cited concerns over potential changes to inheritance tax and the UK’s business climate as his primary motivators.
• Politics: Mullins remains an outspoken figure in UK politics. Having previously been a Conservative donor and a vocal anti-Brexit campaigner, he joined Reform UK in 2024, continuing to use his platform to advocate for business owners.

Charlie Mullins Net Worth 2026

Estimates of Charlie Mullins’ net worth in 2026 place him at approximately £70 million to £80 million. While the sale of Pimlico brought in over £100m, his net worth reflects significant investments in luxury real estate (including multiple villas in Marbella), his lifestyle, and the funding of new business ventures.

Who is the CEO of Pimlico Plumbers now?

The leadership of Pimlico Plumbers has seen significant turnover since the 2021 sale.

1. Scott Mullins (2021–2022): Following the sale, Scott remained at the helm. however, by 2022, the family influence began to fade as the corporate structure of Neighborly took hold.
2. Mark Bridges (2022–2024): In May 2022, Mark Bridges was appointed as the new CEO. Coming from a background at Domestic & General and HomeServe, he was brought in to professionalise the group and integrate it into the Neighborly ecosystem.
3. The Current Structure (2026): By 2026, the company is managed by a leadership team reporting directly to Neighborly’s UK and European division. Records from Companies House indicate that directors like Philip James Carr play a key role in the oversight of the Pimlico Plumbers Group Limited.

The era of a single, “celebrity” CEO is over; the business is now run with the efficiency and anonymity typical of a private equity-owned franchise giant.

Ownership History: The 47-Year Timeline

Is Charlie Mullins starting a rival company?

One of the most interesting developments in 2026 is the launch of WeFix. After his non-compete clause expired, Charlie Mullins launched a new family venture aimed at reclaiming the “premium” handyman and plumbing market in London.

Mullins has stated he wants WeFix to be the “Harrods of the handyman world,” directly competing with his former empire. This move highlights a classic SME dilemma: when a founder sells their “baby,” the desire to return to the tools (or the boardroom) often proves irresistible.

Lessons for UK SMEs: The “Pimlico Effect”

For small business owners, the story of the Pimlico Plumbers owner change offers several vital lessons:

1. The Value of Branding

Pimlico wasn’t just a plumbing firm; it was a marketing machine. The famous number plates (BOG1, DRA1N, W4TER) and the “no-nonsense” reputation created a “premium” valuation. KKR didn’t just buy a fleet of vans; they bought a household name.

2. The Private Equity Transition

The shift from Mullins to KKR shows that corporate ownership often prioritises scalable systems over “personality.” While the service may remain efficient, the loss of a visible founder can change the “soul” of an SME brand.

3. Worker Status and Legal Precedents

One cannot discuss Pimlico’s ownership without mentioning the landmark Gary Smith case. The Supreme Court ruled that a Pimlico plumber was a “worker” rather than “self-employed.” This case redefined the “Gig Economy” in the UK and serves as a warning for any SME using independent contractors.

FAQ about “Pimlico Plumbers Owner”

Who is the actual owner of Pimlico Plumbers in 2026?

The company is owned by Neighborly, which is a subsidiary of the global investment firm KKR & Co. Inc.

Is Pimlico Plumbers still a British company?

While it is headquartered in London and employs British tradespeople, the ultimate parent company and financial control are based in the United States.

Is Charlie Mullins still a billionaire?

No. Despite being called “Britain’s richest plumber,” Charlie Mullins’ net worth never reached the billion-pound mark. His peak net worth following the sale was estimated at over £100 million, though it is currently closer to £70m – £80m in 2026.

Why does Charlie Mullins regret selling?

Mullins has publicly stated that he feels the company has lost its “family feel” and that the new corporate owners have prioritised profit margins over the distinct customer service standards he spent 40 years building.

Can I still hire a plumber from Charlie Mullins?

If you want to hire from Charlie Mullins personally, you would now look toward his new venture, WeFix London. If you call Pimlico Plumbers, you are hiring from the Neighborly-owned corporation.

Conclusion: The Future of the Pimlico Brand

The evolution of the Pimlico Plumbers owner from a lone man in a van to a cog in a multi-billion-dollar private equity machine is the ultimate British business story. It represents the pinnacle of SME success—a nine-figure exit—but also highlights the emotional and cultural complexities that follow such a sale.

In 2026, Pimlico Plumbers remains a dominant force in London’s service industry. However, with Charlie Mullins launching a rival firm and moving his interests abroad, the battle for the “heart of the London trade” has entered a new and fascinating chapter.