KITWAVE GROUP acquired by ONE EQUITY PARTNERS
Context
The take-private acquisition of Kitwave Group by One Equity Partners signifies a definitive shift toward industrialized scaling in the UK food and beverage wholesale sector. The strategic logic of this transaction hinges on a "logistical-consolidation" maneuver, merging the target’s extensive regional reach and multi-category product depth with the acquirer’s proven expertise in executing complex buy-and-build cycles. This structural alignment provides the organization with the institutional capital and strategic hardware necessary to aggressively pursue acquisitions in a market defined by high fragmentation.
This platform was built through multiple acquisitions, including Total Foodservice Solutions (2024) and Creed Catering Supplies (2024), illustrating an active consolidation strategy.
KITWAVE GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2024, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level as low as the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.3x).
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Target
Kitwave Group is a Delivered Wholesale Services company based in the United Kingdom, specializing in the supply and logistical delivery of a broad impulse product portfolio. The organization operates a three-segment model encompassing ambient goods, frozen and chilled foods, and specialized foodservice supplies. Its value proposition is anchored in a localized delivery framework that services independent convenience stores, grocery chains, and hospitality venues. Rather than acting as a traditional stationary wholesaler, the firm utilizes a nationwide logistics network to fulfill high-volume daily orders with a focus on service reliability. The entity's strategy involves the integration of niche regional operators to expand its product range into categories such as butchery, alcohol, and fresh produce.
Ent. Value
Equity Value
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EV / Revenue
EV / EBITDA
EV / EBIT
Historical Financials (GBP)
Other operations with KITWAVE GROUP
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/2024 | KITWAVE GROUP | CREED CATERING SUPPLIES | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 03/2024 | KITWAVE GROUP | TOTAL FOODSERVICE SOLUTIONS | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 12/2022 | KITWAVE GROUP | WESTCOUNTRY FOOD | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 02/2022 | KITWAVE GROUP | M.J. BAKER FOODSERVICE | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 09/2019 | KITWAVE GROUP | CENTRAL SUPPLIES | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 05/2017 | KITWAVE GROUP | ALPINE FINE FOODS | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
| 09/2016 | KITWAVE GROUP | H B CLARK | UNITED KINGDOM | B2B Specialized Distribution |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 300M - 700M GBP
Revenue range: 450M - 900M GBP
EBITDA range: 25M - 50M GBP
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Target: kitwave group
Acquirer: one equity partners