Breadmakers' merger deal on the table after months of talks

HISTORIC breadmakers Hovis and Kingsmill are poised for a landmark merger, with their respective owners expected to seal the deal following months of negotiations.

- SAMUEL NORMAN

Kingsmill’s parent company Allied Bakeries, which falls under London-Associated British Foods (ABF), alongside Hovis could reap annual cost savings of up to £50 million through the proposed union.

According to Sky News, the mooted arrangement would see ABF snap up Hovis for £75m. This would wrest control of the bread manufacturer from private equity owners Endless, culminating months of talks between the investment firm and ABF.