Sweet deal for Morris and Son
YORKSHIRE wholesaler Morris and Son has swooped for a second sweet manufacturer in three months.
Leeds-based £15m turnover Morris and Son has acquired the assets and goodwill of Sweet Luxuries, a specialist sugar-free sweet manufacturer based in Cleckheaton which supplies products under the ‘Sugarless’ brand.
The deal follow’s Morris and Son’s purchase of Accrington-based confectionary manufacturer Stockley’s Sweets in November.
Structured by BTG McInnes Corporate Finance in Leeds, the deal sees parent company Morris and Son take ownership of the Cleckheaton operation and secures the future of 15 employees.
The acquisition also marks the arrival of confectionary industry veteran, Brian Siron, which will further strengthen the Stockley’s business.
Andy Needham, managing director of Morris & Son, said: “The acquisition will add over £1m sales in the coming year but more importantly adds additional industry expertise to our new Stockley’s subsidiary.
“Brian Siron has been involved in sweet manufacturing for over 30 years, running his own businesses and setting up manufacturing plants for some of the biggest names in the industry.
“His knowledge of product development, manufacturing techniques and the wider marketplace per se will vastly strengthen the Stockley’s business.”
Stockley’s Sweets, which was founded in 1918, went into administration last year.
Steve Roberts, of BTG McInnes who negotiated the acquisition of the business from its previous owners, said: “These businesses will all benefit from working together and we remain open to opportunities to continue the growth by acquisition of the right businesses.”
The combined Group now has two factories in Accrington and Cleckheaton, as well as distribution depots in Manchester, Blackburn and Leeds, employing a total of 95 staff.
