Dr. Schär UK grabs a slice of bread market with acquisition

Manufacturer of gluten-free products, Dr. Schär UK, has entered the fresh bread market after snapping up a Scottish manufacturer.

The acquisition of GDR Food Technology, which is headquartered in Glasgow and makes alergen-free, fresh bread, represents Dr. Schär’s first UK production plant.

Bradley Grimshaw, managing director at Dr. Schär UK, which has its head office at Birchwood Park, Warrington, said the move will “significantly boost” its presence in the UK and extend its reach within the gluten-free bread category.

“We can now facilitate the launch of fresh bakery products to complement the current assortment and support us in our strategic objective of bakery leadership,” he said.

“We know that more and more consumers are seeking products free-from allergens to meet their dietary and lifestyle needs. Our partnership with GDR will enable us to further tap into this growing demand.

“This deal is the first of its kind for us. It presents an exciting opportunity to get into the fresh bread market and fuels our vision of being recognised by all customers and consumers as the No. 1 brand in gluten-free.”

Dr. Schär has 16 sites in 11 countries, offering a wide and diversified range of gluten free products and food for special medical purposes.

GDR’s workforce will remain in place, including founder Ronnie Stebbings, who will retain his leadership role as managing director for GDR.

Dr. Schär UK team: Bradley Grimshaw, MD at Dr. Schär UK, Sabrina Mutschlechner, Dr. Schär Head of Corporate Business Development, Ronnie Stebbings, MD of GDR Food Technology and Peter Hintner, Dr. Schär COO

Ronnie Stebbings said: “This is incredible news for us and we are tremendously excited to be part of the Dr. Schär group.

“The company has led the way in the gluten-free sector, delighting shoppers with their high quality, delicious, safe and guaranteed products for years, and we can’t wait to be a part of the future success journey of Dr. Schär UK.”

Dow Schofield Watts provided corporate finance and tax advice to Dr Schär UK, with the team consisting of Philip Price, Tom Dutton, Tom Faichnie, Melanie Clark and Dave Waddington.

Matt Noon, Elan Iorwerth and Ben Correia de Sousa of Hill Dickinson provided legal advice to Dr Schär.