HALL’S Direct, the wholesale distribution business owned by Brown Food Group, has been acquired by Lomond – The Wholesale Food Co in a deal which will create a company with revenue of about £30 million.
The Hall’s brand was acquired by Dumfriesshire-based Browns in 2013 from Dutch firm Vion, which took in the Hall’s of Scotland food brand in addition to van sales subsidiary Hall’s Direct.
The deal only includes Hall’s Direct, which has recently focused on the convenience retail sector as well as restaurants, butchers and hotels, to which it offers fresh meat, ready meals, a food-to-go breakfast range and a chilled foodservice range.
The brand will eventually be integrated into Lomond, which will continue to distribute Hall’s of Scotland products on behalf of Browns.
Glasgow-based Lomond Wholesale, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, was previously known as Lomond Fine Foods. It has traditionally supplied cafes and sandwich bars with chilled and frozen products. In 2015, the business turned over £15.3m.
Lomond’s managing director, Sam Henderson, said: “Our strategy to grow the business quickly has been realised and the whole team is looking forward to the coming months as we integrate the two businesses. While it will be a busy few months, customers can be assured of a seamless transition.”
The acquisition will increase Lomond’s staff numbers from 104 to 160 and its fleet of dual temperature delivery vehicles will go from 21 to 40.
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