Bakkavor Group acquired by Greencore Group
Context
Greencore has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Bakkavor, creating a combined UK national food champion with pro-forma revenues of circa £4 billion. The strategic rationale for the deal is the creation of an unrivalled convenience food platform with enhanced category depth and deeper retail relationships. The combination aims to deliver annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of at least £80 million by the end of the third year through manufacturing consolidation and procurement efficiencies. As part of the transaction, Bakkavor's US operations are slated for divestment, either before or after completion, while its China business has already been marked for sale. This merger represents a major consolidation of the UK private-label food sector, allowing the enlarged group to leverage "best-of-both" operational expertise to drive resilience and performance in a highly competitive grocery landscape.
Bakkavor Group, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2024, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, standing directly in line with the average observed in the AgriFood sector (12.0x in 2025).
-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends
Target
Founded in 1986, Bakkavor is a leading international manufacturer of fresh prepared foods (FPF). The company’s business model focuses on high-frequency, short-shelf-life products across four main categories: meals (ready meals, soups, and pasta), salads (prepared salads and leafy salads), desserts, and pizza & bread. Its value proposition is built on deep strategic partnerships with major UK grocery retailers, providing private-label solutions that drive consumer convenience. Historically, the organization has maintained a significant global footprint with operations in the UK, US, and China, though it has recently initiated a strategy to divest non-core international assets to focus on its market-leading UK position. By operating a complex, just-in-time manufacturing and logistics network, the firm serves as a mission-critical supplier for the daily food requirements of millions of consumers.
Ent. Value
£1–10bn
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
below 1.5x
EV / EBITDA
5x–12x
EV / EBIT
15x–25x
Historical Financials (GBP)
Similar deals in Food Processing
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/2025 | REFRESCO | TELEMARK KILDEVANN | NORWAY | Soft Drinks |
| 07/2025 | FOSTER CLARK PRODUCTS | PREZIOSI FOOD | ITALY | Food Products |
| 05/2025 | IDAK FOOD GROUP | SORRENTO SAPORI E TRADIZIONI | ITALY | Food Products |
| 05/2025 | VIVA WINE GROUP | DELTA WINES | NETHERLANDS | Wines & Spirits |
| 05/2025 | VALEO FOODS GROUP | FREDDI DOLCIARIA | ITALY | Food Products |
| 04/2025 | HERSHEY COMPANY | LESSEREVIL | UNITED STATES | Food Products |
| 04/2025 | LITERACY CAPITAL / RED SKY FOOD GROUP | LANGFORD'S | UNITED KINGDOM | Meat & Cured Meat |
| 04/2025 | WHAT S COOKING? | SVELTIC | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 03/2025 | BRIDOR | LAURENT BAKERY GROUP | AUSTRALIA | Bakery / Pastry |
| 02/2025 | FLOWERS FOODS | SIMPLE MILLS | UNITED STATES | Bakery / Pastry |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV £1–10bn
Revenue range: £1–10bn
EBITDA range: £100–200M
EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x
EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Bakkavor Group by Greencore Group are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: bakkavor group
Acquirer: greencore group
FAQ
What transaction does this page cover?
How was the acquisition of Bakkavor Group by Greencore Group valued, and what multiples were paid?
What were Bakkavor Group’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?
How does the valuation of Bakkavor Group compare to benchmarks in the AgriFood sector?
What sources support the information on this transaction?
What is mynth?