In a significant development within the UK foodservice sector, Central Foods, a Northampton-based frozen food distributor, has been acquired by the Gressingham Group, a prominent national food producer and wholesaler. This transaction marks a new chapter for Central Foods, which has built a strong reputation as an independent supplier of both branded and own-brand frozen foods to the hospitality industry since its establishment in 1996.

Central Foods has experienced impressive growth, boasting revenues of over £50 million. Its clientele features notable names in the industry, including Bidfood, Brakes, Whitbread, and Greene King. The acquisition by Gressingham Group, which is headquartered in Suffolk and owns the well-known Gressingham duck retail brand, positions Central Foods for further expansion and integration within a larger network of wholesale foodservice specialists, such as Reids of Norwich, JF Edwards, and the Peter Thomson Group.

The corporate finance advisory firm MHA played a crucial role in navigating the sale process for Central Foods. Their guidance involved identifying potential partners both in the UK and globally, ensuring that the chosen partnership would uphold Central Foods' customer relationships and team culture. MHA also provided commercial and tax advice to facilitate a smooth transition.

The decision to partner with Gressingham Group was based on their shared values and market reputation, aligning closely with the ethos established by Central Foods. As part of the transaction, founders Gordon and Alison Lauder have indicated that they will remain actively involved in the business. Their involvement is designed to provide continuity as existing staff assume new management roles, ensuring that the company can continue to thrive in the competitive foodservice landscape.

In a statement, Gordon and Alison Lauder expressed their confidence in the acquisition process, stating: "We believed it would be a challenging brief to identify a partner which would complement Central Foods’ business, safeguard our culture, and offer security and progression opportunities for our staff." They further acknowledged the importance of MHA’s role, with Gordon Lauder noting, “The MHA team’s proactive communication and collaborative approach was fundamental to ensuring we reached this significant milestone.”

The acquisition by Gressingham Group is expected to enhance Central Foods' market presence and operational capabilities, setting the stage for future growth within the UK's foodservice sector.