Sweet deal for confectionery business
SME confectionery business Bon Bon’s Wholesale has acquired a counterpart in a bid to support the luxury confectionery market.
Whetherby-based Bon Bon’s has acquired hf Chocolates – an importer, distributor and wholesaler of fine chocolates and novelties based in Buckinghamshire.
Bon Bon’s was founded in 2007 by Mark Rowntree and Peter Julian. The business was purchased in 2017 by the family-owned Lanchester Wine Cellars, trading as Lanchester Wines, which is the UK’s most sustainable wine bottling business having invested over £8m in generating its own renewable energy and heat.
Bon Bon’s provides luxury confectionery for high end independent retailers and visitor attractions. Steve Campbell, Managing Director of Bon Bon’s, said: “The addition of hf Chocolates to our business underlines our ongoing commitment to the luxury confectionery market. Both businesses are focused on the independent speciality food sector and our purchase of hf Chocolates will mean all customers in this sector will continue to benefit from two very distinct business and product offerings, while enjoying the high levels of customer service and innovation that the market has come to expect from Bon Bon’s.”
Established in 1957, hf Chocolates was purchased by Stephen Pain and Thelma Benke in 1999 and has developed into a leading supplier of luxury confectionery. Customers range from independent sweet shops, to retail multiples and UK department stores. Stephen and Thelma have sold hf Chocolates in order to retire.
The business will continue to be independently marketed under the hf Chocolates’ brand. Directors Stephen Pain and Thelma Benke will be working closely with the team at Bon Bon’s to ensure a seamless transition. Pain added: “We’ve worked hard to build hf Chocolates into the successful business it is today, so our decision to hand over was not taken lightly.
“We have known Bon Bon’s for some time and believe its reputation for quality mirrors our own. It was vital that our business’ new owners shared our passion and commitment to both quality and customer service, and we believe we’ve found the right custodians for our business as it moves into its next chapter.”
The deal was facilitated by Leeds based Corporate Finance and Investment boutique, Ignite Capital. Paul Thompson, Managing Director at Ignite Capital, said: “I am delighted we have found the right home for hf Chocolates and have worked tirelessly to find a buyer like Bon Bon’s ever since Stephen and Thelma indicated they wish to retire and pass the business onto new owners.
“We had lots of interest since taking the business to market, but Bon Bon’s were decisive and made their intentions clear from the start. The vendors and I believe we have found the best home for the business and we will look forward to seeing the business thrive in the future.”
