UK expansion for Thermos following acquisition of Leeds distribution business

Thermos, the global manufacturer of portable insulated food and drink containers, has acquired a Leeds distribution company in a deal which it said creates opportunities for further growth in the UK.

The company has snapped up Brands Home & Leisure (BHL) Group, its distribution partner in the United Kingdom since 2001.

BHL distributes to the UK market on behalf of several top brands through a range of retail channels. It was first established in the 1930s as a distributor of housewares products, specialising in glassware.

As part of the acquisition, the existing senior management team of Nick Kime, Mark Snape and Richard Walker will remain in place to lead the business and work with the Thermos team to help deliver the group’s plans.

“BHL has been a valuable and steadfast partner for 16 years,” says Rick Dias, president and chief operating officer, Thermos L.L.C.

“We are excited to join together in this new alliance and look forward to creating opportunities for expanded growth in the UK market.”

“Thermos and Genuine Thermos Brand products have been at the core of our business since the beginning of our partnership. This is a natural next step in the evolution of our successful union,” says Kime, managing director of BHL.

The shareholders of BHL were advised by Lupton Fawcett.

Martin Frost, corporate partner who led a team from Lupton Fawcett’s York and Leeds offices, said: “We were delighted to have been able to assist Nick and the team on the sale to Thermos. Having worked closely with the company for some time, we were able to help structure a deal that worked for all parties. The formal coming together of Thermos and the BHL team ushers in an exciting new chapter for the business and we wish Nick and the team every success taking it forward.”

A team from Yorkshire law firm Gordons comprising Jonathan Asquez, Amy Pierechod and Edward Strudwick advised Thermos.

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