San Miguel Considering Bid for United Biscuits

11 Sep 2014 --- Beer producer San Miguel is interested in bidding for UK biscuit maker United Biscuits, according to an announcement by the Philippine-based company’s chief executive. There are other potential buyers lined up, including US cereal manufacturer Kellogg’s.

United Biscuits, the producer of the McVitie’s biscuit brand and Twiglets snacks, is the world’s sixth-biggest biscuit producer by revenue.

San Miguel may be looking to fill a gap in its food arm, according to reports. The company has the San Miguel beer brand but also processed meat, coffee, ice cream, fruit juices and flour, much of which is sold domestically.

Last week the San Miguel group pulled out of a deal to buy a stake in the Philippine airline business.

United Biscuits is owned by private equity companies Blackstone Group and PAI Partners.

Other parties interested in United Biscuits are said to be Turkish company Ulker, UK biscuit rival Burton’s (owned by Ontario Teachers Pension Plan), Saudi Arabian food producer Savola Group and Italy’s Ferrero.