The deal

FRP Corporate Finance is pleased to have advised UK’s leading co-manufacturer and co-packers, March Foods on its sale to The Delightful Food Group, experts in manufacturing and co-packing solutions.

Cambridgeshire-based March Foods are one of the UK’s leading Food Contract manufacturers and packing businesses, specialising in providing timely and high-quality production services to discerning Customers. They offer their customers individually tailored production cells, warehousing, laboratory facilities, engineering workshops, offices and an extensive range of blending, filling and packing equipment.

St Albans-based, parent group, Delightful Food Group are experts in food and beverage manufacturing and co-packing. The group brings together two well-established businesses, IBC Simply and March Foods, in the food and drinks industry, and offers expertise in innovation and product development, right through to production and packing.

FRP Corporate Finance were appointed by March Foods Limited as advisers to support throughout the transaction. Our team led by Corporate Finance Partner Dan Bowtell and Manager Ben Anstee, provided strategic advice to the shareholders regarding the deal’s structure, successfully negotiated an offer with Delightful Food Group, and expertly guided the shareholders through the entire process.

Dan Bowtell, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “The transaction was a good deal for both parties in what has been an uncertain M&A market in 2023, but is indicative of some stability returning in 2024. With their complementary skills, the two businesses are ready to embark on a new chapter of growth, attracting fresh customers and fostering the development of innovative products across the entire group.”

Stephen Dor, Managing Director at March Foods, said: “Through years of investing and developing our blending and filling capabilities, this strategic alliance, will enable us to further develop our manufacturing expertise whilst at the same time support the growth of a major UK food and beverage brand.

Dan and the team at FRP played a pivotal role from the outset, understanding our initial requirements, negotiating terms, providing pro-active project management, through to finalising the deal within the agreed timeline”.