Herb business turns over new leaf

A GROUP of private investors led by businessman David Ardern have completed a buy-out of Salford-based Chat Moss Herbs for an undisclosed sum.

The company supplies herbs, salad leaves and a range of pesto sauces to independent restaurants, shops and foodservice businesses. It was set up in 1991 by co-founders Colin Brinkman and Denise Mottram.

They were advised on the sale by Strategic Corporate Finance and law firm Rowlands Field Cunningham.

Greg Barker of Strategic Corporate Finance said: “We are delighted to have helped Colin and Denise find the right buyer for their company. They are very passionate about the business which they have nurtured for the past 20 years, so it was important to find a new owner with the same enthusiasm”.

Chat Moss Herbs recently developed a range of fresh pestos, including an award- winning Basil and Rocolla variety, and will be looking to bring further new products to market. Ardern will now lead the Eccles-based business as managing director, but Mottram will remain as part of the management team.

She said: “We are proud of the business we started and are positive David will take it to the next level. 

“The company has an excellent workforce who rightly pride themselves on the first class service and quality they deliver to their customers.”