Local investors acquire long-established coffee shop chain
Merrie England, a chain of West Yorkshire coffee shops and drive-thru, has been acquired by Gary Conway and his team, including investors Adam Sayers, Ian Coumont, and Anne Coumont.
Established for over five decades, the six shops are based across Huddersfield, Brighouse, and Halifax and have been managed by the Hanselman family.
However, in a strategic move to secure the future of the business, the family have decided the company can reach new heights under fresh leadership.
Conway will use his extensive experience in the food and beverage industry to take the business further.
He said: “We recognised what a great brand and offering Merrie England has within the local community.
“The Hanselman family have done a fantastic job in building a reputable brand that is recognised locally for its strong food, coffee and service.
“We are excited to be the new custodians of Merrie England and to take it from strength-to-strength.”
He said he and his team want to grow the brand further and to increase its offering beyond its traditional heartland.
Poonam Kaur, CEO of fds Director Services – a corporate finance boutique based in Wakefield – led the deal, acting on behalf of the Hanselman family.
She said: “This acquisition marks a new chapter in the Merrie England story. The company has become an integral part of the Huddersfield, Brighouse, and Halifax communities, and it was crucial to preserve what has been established.
“I am confident that with Gary’s investment and a new management team, the brand will broaden its presence and product range while remaining faithful to the traditions that have contributed to Merrie England’s long-standing success.”
A spokesman for The Hanselman Family added: “We are incredibly proud as a family of the business built to date and the great team working in the business, both past and present.
“We are excited to see what Gary and the team will further accomplish with Merrie England and have full confidence in them.
“Having fds as our advisor provided great comfort. Poonam was always on hand with guidance, support and advice and was mindful of how big of a change this was for us as a family.”
