CSM Acquires the Business and Other Assets of The Cookie Man Limited in the UK

Date:23 January 2012

Type:Business News

Source:Food Ingredients First

Sector:Bakery

Summary:This acquisition complements CSM’s operations in the UK, both in terms of portfolio and customers.

Jan 23 2012 --- CSM has acquired the business and other assets (a.o plant & equipment) of The Cookie Man Limited, in the UK. This acquisition complements CSM’s operations in the UK, both in terms of portfolio and customers.

The Cookie Man Limited produces a high quality range of premium bakery products, servicing the retail and out of home markets. Its product range includes cup, fairy and loaf cakes, mini-bites, cake slices, muffins and cookies. The company employs some 340 people and its facilities are based in Esher, Surrey, UK. The Cookie Man Limited filed for administration on January 16, 2012.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Eva Lindner CSM's Communication Director said they could not yet comment upon whether CSM will continue the Cookie Man branding and product line: “Obviously we are going to integrate it into CSM, but we have to take more time before we release details about implementation.”

When asked whether the 340 Cookie Man employees will be kept on post-acquisition Lindner replied that: “It is too early to comment, we are going to look at how we can integrate the Cookie Man business.”

Lindner also explained how having strong connections to the rest of industry is helpful for collaboration and negotiating acquisitions: “The market for our specialty products is consolidating. CSM keep up with opportunities, and we have seen the increased demand for artisan products in the retail industry. There is much talk between companies in the industry about possible co-operation. This can be instructive when decision making. This was the case with The Cookie Man.”

By Michael Holt