EG Group acquires Cooplands bakery business
EG Group has acquired the Cooplands bakery business as it works to diversify into the foodservice sector.
Founded by Frederick and Alice Coopland in 1885, Cooplands employs more than 1,600 staff and operates three bakeries that process ingredients and manufacture fresh food that is distributed through its supply and logistics network to around 180 stores and cafes around the north east and Yorkshire regions.
In a statement, EG Group said the acquisition will accelerate its diversification into foodservice and drive development opportunities in other parts of the business. In addition, it will provide Cooplands with a platform to diversify into the petrol forecourt and retail convenience store channel through EG’s UK network of roadside forecourts.
The move follows EG Group’s acquisition of the Leon ‘naturally fast food’ restaurant chain in May.
Zuber and Mohsin Issa, founders and co-chief executives of EG Group, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Cooplands’ many talented colleagues to the EG Group family. Cooplands has a proven track record in the fresh bakery sector and vertical integration with EG Group will help to further drive our success in foodservice, where we continue to see strong growth opportunities in the UK and globally.
“Following the acquisition of Leon in May, Cooplands is another fantastic fresh food brand to add to EG Group’s existing portfolio of third-party foodservice brands.”
