A.F. Blakemore has acquired the Philpotts chain of prepared-food stores, following the administration of parent company, Patisserie Holdings.
The move sees the £1.1bn family-owned food and drinks business acquire the 21 Phillpotts stores located across the UK whilst securing the jobs of 210 Philpotts employees and adding to AF Blakemore’s existing retail, wholesale and growing food service offer.
The acquisition is part of AF Blakemore’s strategy to expand the business in line with the first of its core consumer missions ‘food for now’. Following the divestment of its cash and carry division in 2018, the addition of the Philpotts stores enables AF Blakemore to advance the development of this offer.
Core to the company’s values is the desire to build a business that delivers a significant and positive contribution to the communities it serves.
AF Blakemore Chairman, Peter Blakemore said, “It was important to reach an agreement that enabled us to keep the 21 Phillpotts stores open and secure the future of the 210 jobs for employees currently across the UK.
“Bringing Philpotts under AF Blakemore ownership enhances our current retail offer and is aligned with our strategic retail and food service plan.
“Our experience and knowledge of the food service and convenience sectors brings significant opportunities to develop the brand, whilst taking elements of the Philpotts offer into our wider business.”