The merger between iconic bread brands Hovis and Kingsmill is expected to be announced in the coming days.<\/p>\n
Back in May, Allied Bakeries owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), confirmed it was in talks with Leeds private equity firm, Endless, to unite the brands.<\/p>\n
Endless acquired the iconic bakery brand, Hovis, back in 2020 for an undisclosed price.<\/p>\n
The proposed tie-up follows a long decline in sales of supermarket loaves amid competition from the likes of Warburtons, speciality bakers and a move to more low carb diets.<\/p>\n
The merger would create Britain\u2019s biggest bread maker. However, analysts have warned the move could come under scrutiny of the Competition and Markets Authority.<\/p>\n
According to Sky News, the deal will see ABF pay around \u00a375m for Hovis, which industry sources said could result in annual cost savings of around \u00a350m.<\/p>\n
Hovis was created in 1890 following aa national competition held to replace the original \u2018Smith\u2019s Patent Process Germ Flour\u2019 name. A prize of \u00a325 was offered to the winner. The winner was Herbert Grime, suggesting the name \u2018Hovis\u2019, from the Latin \u201chominis vis\u201d meaning \u201cstrength of man\u201d.<\/p>\n
Allied Bakeries was founded in 1935 by Willard Garfield Weston, part of the family which continues to control ABF.<\/p>\n
When news of the potential deal emerged back in May, ABF said in a statement. \u201cAs stated in our interim results announcement on 29 April 2025, Allied Bakeries continues to face a very challenging market. We are evaluating strategic options for Allied Bakeries against this backdrop, and we remain committed to increasing long-term shareholder value. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Back in May, Associated British Foods confirmed it was in talks with private equity firm, Endless, to unite the brands<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":271992,"featured_media":2065227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"coauthors":[137100],"class_list":["post-2142240","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deals","tag-top-story","tag-yorkshire"],"yoast_head":"\n