Private equity company snaps up Burton’s Foods

Burton’s Foods, the maker of Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels, has been sold to private equity company Duke Street Capital for an undisclosed sum. It is thought that Northen Foods, 3i and Legal & General were also interested in acquiring the snacks and biscuit manufacturer.

Burton’s has been increasingly focusing on developing new products that tap into the growing demand for indulgent and better-for-you products. This week it has launched a range of Bertolli-branded savoury snacks under license from Unilever and also holds the license for a number of Cadbury products, including its Highlights range of “healthier” biscuits.

Burton’s, which is the second largest biscuit manufacturer in the UK, is looking at further new product development as well as acquisitions to develop its business.

Duke Street has been building a portfolio of consumer interests and last year bought a stake in Food Partners, a pre-packed sandwich company.

Burton’s chief executive Paul Kitchener says the company hopes to use the financial and operational support from Duke Street to accelerate its growth plans and further extend into the broader snacks market.

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