Lesaffre Sells UK Bakery Company BFP Holdings

05 Aug 2014 --- French yeast producer Lesaffre has sold its UK bakery and distribution business, BFP Holdings, to private equity firm Zimt Holdings.

The Kent-based BFP suppliers ambient, chilled and frozen goods to many businesses, including Greggs and Krispy Kreme. It had a turnover of £75m last year. The company’s products are distributed from strategically well-located depots via a fleet of multi-temperature vehicles to more than 4,000 customers throughout the UK.

Lesaffre’s general manager for baking Western Europe, Marc Casier, said the company was “pleased to have found an ambitious buyer for BFP". He explained that Lesaffre will now refocus on its core yeast business.

Nick Harris, managing director of BFP Wholesale, said: “In Zimt Holding we have found a strong partner that is fully aligned with our goals and has the resources to help drive the next phase of the company’s development. Seasoned executives will join the board to support us in our strategy.”

Lesaffre has also been investing in creating products for the bioethanol and bio-chemical industries. Recent activity from the company includes the acquisition of Butalco last month, and the launch of a fermentation business, Leaf Technologies, earlier this year. The French company has a turnover in excess of E1.5bn.