Around Noon expands in the UK with Chef in a Box acquisition
The purchase from Donegal Investment Group will enable Around Noon to initially gain a strong foothold in Greater London and provide a platform for further UK expansion.
The food-to-go market in the UK is estimated to be worth over £16billion, driven in part by the rise of little-and-often shopping, and the popularity of coffee culture.
The acquisition will allow them to access Chef in a Box’s manufacturing, sales and distribution infrastructure, as well as its high-end client-base, as it seeks to realise its growth ambitions.
Around Noon has been in business for more than 25 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under its Scribbles brand. It also markets bakery items from its in-house operation, Sweet Things, which it acquired last year, and cold pressed juices.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Chef in a Box is an excellent business with an impressive client portfolio, and acquiring the company from Donegal Investment Group PLC gives us the presence and infrastructure required to have a significant impact in the UK market.”
Howard Farquhar, Chairman of Around Noon, said: “Food-to-go is a high-growth category and we see London as a very significant opportunity for us, as well as a platform for further UK expansion, including other potential acquisitions. We are delighted to be expanding our geographical reach, adding to our manufacturing capacity and welcoming new colleagues to our business.”
For more information:
Chris Harrison
JComms
Tel: +44 28 9521 8318
Mob: +44 77 6641 7550
[email protected]
