Food & Consumer Goods
Sign Up To Receive Our Sector SnapshotsThe food and consumer market is developing rapidly with ever changing tastes and habits. The more demanding and discerning consumer is also becoming more affluent and thus significantly increasing spend in a number of areas such as dining out and luxury goods.
We have experience working with a broad range of food and consumer businesses advising them on their strategic M&A options within the rapidly changing market.
Within the food sector we cover a range of areas including food manufacture, food distribution, restaurant operators and niche food importers.
Within the consumer sector we cover retail, leisure and hospitality.
Lead Partner: Gary Ecob
Gary has over 20 years of corporate finance experience, working with a variety of business ranging from £5 - £100 million in value. Gary has led a variety of deals including private and corporate sales, acquisitions, MBOs, MBIs and fund raising.
During his time working within the food and consumer sector, Gary has developed relationships with a wealth of acquisitive Plcs and overseas companies.
Gary is also a global head for the food and consumer sector for Clairfield International, an independent corporate finance partnership with over 400 corporate finance professionals situated in over 20 countries across the globe.
Related Case Studies
Orbis have advised the shareholders of Worcester based The First Class Pet Company (trading as Little BigPaw) on the sale of the business to Petbuddy Group AB.
Orbis advise the shareholders of Bramble Foods, a successful manufacturer and distributor of fine foods, on attracting investment from private equity firm LDC to accelerate its growth strategy.
Orbis were engaged to sell Make My Blinds (“MMB”) having previously worked with the owners. MMB had built a strong relationship with one of its key suppliers, Decora. Bringing the two businesses together made perfect sense, enabling the combined businesses to have complete control of the manufacturing, delivery, sales, marketing and customer experience.
Orbis worked exclusively with the Unsworth family over an 18-month period, to originate and invest in high-quality food manufacturing businesses. As part of the deal, owner Jason Geary retained a significant equity stake within the business, remaining as a Managing Director.
Orbis was retained by T. H. Baker Ltd to research, identify, approach and act as lead advisors in acquiring an e-commerce business. Orbis identified Hobbies Ltd and led the transaction through to completion.
Established in 1962, Wellocks supplies a range of high-quality fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat and dried store ingredients to a national customer base of Michelin star restaurants, premium casual dining chains, 5* hotels and premier league football clubs.
Stuart Turner is a leading UK supplier of shower pumps, pressure boosting pumps and pump solutions for both the domestic and commercial markets. Over a six-year period, Orbis has worked closely with Stuart Turner to offer buy-side deal advice on four separate strategic acquisitions, culminating in the sale of the business.
Orbis were engaged by Velcro Holdings BV to undertake financial due diligence on the company in support of the acquisition of Petface by Velcro.
LG Harris & Co Ltd is a leading manufacturer of decorating sundries with a brand that is recognised around the globe. Orbis worked closely with the management team to undertake a business improvement strategy followed by a successful cross-border sale.
Established in 1989, FineFrance UK Limited is an importer and distributor of premium food products sourced from across Europe. Orbis worked closely with the shareholders from the beginning of the process to understand the key value drivers of the business and to identify strategic buyers within the sector.
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