Burts Snacks swallowed up by European firm

CITY FIRM SNAPPED UP IN GROWING FRENCH FOOD PRODUCER'S LATEST MOVE

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH crisp maker Burts Snacks has been bought by a leading European food producer. Europe Snacks, which makes savoury snacks for third party brands, has snapped up 100% of the Plymouth company.

The acquisition will enable Europe Snacks to accelerate its growth in Europe's largest snacking market, the UK. Burts will continue to operate from its two manufacturing facilities at Roborough, in Plymouth, and in Leicester, and will still be led by current managing director Dave McNulty.

Founded in 1995, Burts has made its name as a high-quality premium snacking manufacturer, with what it says is a strong track record of delivering growth especially in the handcooked crisps segment.

Europe Snacks, supported by private equity business Apax Partners, entered the UK market by acquiring Kolak Snack Foods in 2016. The acquisition of Burts, which should be finalised in March, represents a further step in expanding the group's presence in the UK, with the Burts product portfolio being highly complementary.