Leicestershire firm swoops for counterpart to save 200 jobs

Leicestershire-based importer and distributor of floristry, wedding, party and horticultural products APAC has bought Leeds-based CB Imports – trading as Country Baskets – out of administration in a deal which saves 200 jobs.

Established in 1990, and headquartered at Ardsley Mills, East Ardsley, Country Baskets is an importer of floral supplies, giftware, glassware, silk flowers, pottery, homewares and seasonal products.

Following their appointment, administrators from Grant Thornton agreed the sale of the majority of the business and assets of CB Imports as a going concern to APAC, which is headquartered in Rothley. The deal sees five of the eight stores transfer to APAC, with the remaining three sites in Bristol, Gateshead and Loughborough to close.

The acquisition will ensure around 200 jobs will be saved and operations continue at the Leeds, Astley near Manchester, Stourbridge near Birmingham, High Wycombe and Glasgow premises.

APAC is a family run business set up over 60 years ago which sells to the florist, party, garden centre and horticultural industries.

Trading at Country Baskets had been challenging for some time, exacerbated by the global pandemic and local lockdowns meaning that the business has had to close for prolonged periods over recent months.

Sarah Wragg, managing director of Country Baskets, said: “I would like to thank each and every member of our staff for their dedication, commitment and support that they have shown the company through these very difficult and unprecedented times.

“Although I am very sad that we are closing three of our stores, I am pleased that the future of Country Baskets is now certain securing around 200 jobs. As we approach 2021, I am confident that the new the company will continue to provide great value services and products and look forward to what the future holds for Country Baskets.”

Administrator Chris Petts from Grant Thornton in Leeds added: “We are very pleased to have completed a going concern sale of large parts of the business, which secures the continued employment for a loyal workforce in these challenging economic times, particularly in the run up to Christmas. APAC appears to be a very good home for the business and will hopefully oversee a turnaround in its trading fortunes.”

The administrators were advised on the transaction by the Pinsent Masons team in Leeds. APAC was advised on the transaction by Gateley in Birmingham.

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