Food Production
Comprising a wide array of companies, from small-scale artisanal producers to large multinationals, the food production industry remains an active M&A market.
Consumer trends largely drive the food production industry. Consumers are increasingly interested in healthy, convenient, and plant-based products, which has led to an explosion in offerings from health-conscious, cruelty-free producers.
The Covid-19 pandemic affected food producers in a variety of ways. Test and trace, coupled with reduced a workforce, meant supply chains were strained, yet remained resilient as consumers spent more on food and dining in, as alternative options were restricted. Ready meals, sweet snacks, and frozen food all saw large upticks in popularity across many countries.
The future of food production remains bright. Despite a trend towards healthier, unprocessed foods, the simultaneous rise in demand for vegan and meet-free alternatives has seen a massive boom in valuations for niche food producers with a strong brand and product. A large swarth of the meat-free landscape has already been bought up by forward-looking multinationals, but opportunities remain for innovate players to make their mark with new product offerings.
Recent Transactions
Sale of e-commerce specialist to US-based Malouf
Advised the shareholders of Plastico during their debt renegotiation with HSBC
Foresight provided development capital for intelligent fire suppression specialist, iMist
Refinancing of eGreen from HSBC to Arbuthnot Latham
Assisting Casa Cuervo on its purchase of Irish whiskey distillery, Bushmills, for $760m from Diageo
MBO of GTK, a semiconductor business, backed by Yorkshire Fund Managers
Vendor initiated MBO of high-technology cables manufacturer funded by Lloyds Bank Plc
Debt advisory for KIMS Hospital with Clydesdale bank providing senior debt and Magnetar Capital providing mezzanine for new-build hospital
Debt advisory and sale to management of leading retail packaging business
Growth capital provided for green building materials business by Octopus Ventures and Clydesdale Growth fund
New Zealand’s first take-private transaction, Pacific Retail Group, funded by Logan and GE
Series of bolt-on acquisition for Graphite PE, backed by Micheldever Tyre Services
Strategic advice on the restructuring of Powerhouse for New Zealand-listed Pacific Retail Group - this included the first use of a CVA to limit shareholder exposure to long leases
Sale of platform lift business, Gartec, to Sweden-based Aritco Lift AB
Renegotiation of debt facilities following acquisition
Assisted Mobeus in its investment into logistics business Anthony Ward Thomas, Bishops and Aussie Man in a Van
Sale of eDrive Engineering Services Limited to US tech buyer
Disposal of ingredients business to Maven-backed Atlantic Foods
Assisted in debt raising from Clydesdale Bank for leading Burger King franchiser
Advised management on its MBO of flow meter business, with funding from Natwest Bank
Corporate finance advice for this specialist VW camper vehicle business, an early adopter of online sales
Capital raising from Nigel Wray into this branded consumer products business
Advised Altitude Partners on its investment into this specialist manufacturing business
Accelerated disposal of South Coast steel construction business
Advised the shareholders of Parker on approaches from potential bidders - sold to Cairngorm Capital
Acquisition of Independent Components Limited - a flue systems manufacturer
Strategic advice to world-renowned classic Aston Martin specialist
Strategic valuation advice to shareholders
Advised on the disposal of Claydon Group Holdings to a private investors group
Debt advisory on working capital facility provided by Nucleus Commercial Finance, for green building materials business
Acquisition advice on purchase of Spanish Agromark and its UK distribution partner, Marshalls
Sale of British & Brazilian to AG Thames Holdings Limited
Acquisition of MMF Group Limited - a specialist chimney and flue supplier
Advised on Acquisition of Overtis Solutions, a security software and hardware business, out of Overtis Group
Advised founders on their exit to co-shareholders