UK’s Burton’s Biscuit buys Thomas Fudge’s

The UK’s Burton’s Biscuit Company has completed the acquisition of Dorset-based Thomas Fudge’s from mid-market private equity investment firm Livingbridge.

Financial details of the deal have not been revealed by both companies.

The acquisition is reported to be part of Burton’s strategy of building partnerships and delivering growth through the baking of biscuits for customers and consumers.

Burton’s Biscuit CEO Nick Field said: “Thomas Fudge’s is a great business with a fantastic portfolio of premium products and baking expertise handed down through generations.

“The bakery provides a hugely complementary production capability to Burton’s own bakeries, extending into the more premium and artisanal end of the category with its branded, retailer brand and Marmite products baked under licence.

“We are excited about the opportunity to develop these three important pillars and look forward to working with our retail partners to drive growth through innovation and excitement in the category.”

According to Burton’s, the premium sector is one of the fastest-growing in the biscuit category as consumers seek snacks delivered by origin, quality ingredients, and interesting textures.

Field further explained that the acquisition would enhance the company’s ability to meet those objectives and build new category value with this premium capability alongside its existing brands.

Thomas Fudge’s CEO Emma Davies said: “We’re really excited about becoming part of the Burton’s family as we enter our next phase of development as a business and would like to thank Livingbridge for their support in recent years.”

Last December, Swiss company Barry Callebaut acquired Burton’s Biscuit Company’s chocolate manufacturing assets in Moreton, Wirral, UK.