Crisp manufacturer Pipers Crisps snapped up by global food and drink company

PepsiCo, the global food and drink company, is set to acquire crisp brand Pipers Crisps for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition of the North Lincolnshire-based company is subject to approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, which is expected to be concluded early in 2019.

PepsiCo plans to accelerate the growth of the Pipers business in the UK and will continue to develop the export of its products.

The kettle-cooked, gourmet crisp brand is sold in the Out of Home environment, including pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and farm shops, both in the UK and abroad.

Ian Ellington, general manager of PepsiCo UK, said: “Pipers share our uncompromising commitment to delivering on taste and quality and we’ve long-admired their entrepreneurial spirit. The Pipers’ brand has a strong proposition within the market, with stand-out taste, flavours and appeal.”

James McKinney, managing director of Pipers Crisps, added: “We’ve developed innovative products to suit evolving tastes while establishing a strong foothold in the market.

“PepsiCo’s commitment to accelerating the growth of the Pipers brand means more people will be able to enjoy the unique, award-winning flavour of Pipers Crisps.”

Walker Morris’ Food & Drink team advised Pipers Crisps on PepsiCo’s intended acquisition.

Richard Naish, head of the Food & Drink team at Walker Morris, said: “Pipers Crisps is a well-established, quality brand in the crisp market and an attractive proposition for PepsiCo. The acquisition will help to build on that success and continue the development and export of the product.”

The Walker Morris team advising the Pipers shareholders included: Richard Naish and Marianne McKeown (Corporate), Sarah Bruce and Nicola Parkinson (Tax) and Heather Williams (IP/Trade Marks).

KPMG provided vendor due diligence to the management team and shareholders at Pipers on the transaction with PepsiCo.

Chris Stott, deal advisory partner at KPMG in Leeds, said: “The Pipers team has developed a great brand based on provenance, taste and service. It is no surprise that a global player like PepsiCo is keen to acquire this exciting business and develop the brand and proposition further.”

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