Newest Foray Into Europe's Largest Snacking Market

Europe Snacks, a maker of savory snacks for third-party brands, has purchased 100% of Burts Snacks, a snack producer specializing in hand-cooked chips situated in the U.K. The transaction will be completed in March.

The acquisition marks Europe Snacks' newest foray into the U.K., Europe's largest snacking market. In 2016, the company acquired Kolak Snacks in the United Kingdom, and 2018, it acquired Grupo Ibersnacks in Spain. Apax Partners, a private equity firm based in Paris, assisted in all three acquisitions.

“Within a highly uncertain economic context, it is key to reach a size that allows us to keep investing in our people and our factories. Thanks to the trust of our shareholders, it has been made possible and I am very proud to welcome the Burts team to the group,” Etienne Lecomte, chief executive officer of Europe Snacks, mentioned, cited by Baking Business.

Burts Snacks' new owner plans to invest in the production as it struggles to meet the demand for its high-end chips. The Roborough plant is working nonstop to produce Burts brand chips as well as those for two major retail chains.

After the acquisition, Burt Snacks will continue to operate its two manufacturing sites at Roborough, in Plymouth, and in Leicester.