Sheffield advisors key ingredient in food business acquisition

THE Sheffield office of law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised on the acquisition of a foods ingredients business.

St Helens food manufacturer Lea Green Foods has been bought by ingredients firm Regency Mowbray Company for an undisclosed sum.

The company, which employs 14 staff, makes food products including pastes, sauces and purees to supply to the food service and manufacturing markets.

It will continue trading as Lea Green Foods and managing director Jim Tansey will remain with the company.

Regency Mowbray specialises in creating flavourings, colours and chocolate products among others to be supplied to the food manufacturer industry.

Jeremy Mallin, managing director of Regency, said: “Lea Green Foods manufacture high-quality sauces and purees, something that we have not previously offered to our customers.

“We hope that a combination of both companies expertise will help to drive us forward and strengthen our position in the market.”

James Bullock, corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield, acted for the purchaser alongside leading corporate finance adviser Kevan Shaw of Strategic Corporate Finance. The deal was backed by Venture Finance.

Mr Bullock, at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This deal will allow Regency to expand the range of products it offers, and help to strengthen its position as a market leader in the food ingredient industry.”

Kay Waddington, corporate partner at Stephensons Solicitors in Wigan acted for the sellers.