Bidcorp secures second foodservice acquisition of 2023
Hot on the heels of its acquisition of Harvest Fine Foods, Bidcorp UK has added Thomas Ridley Foodservice to its Caterfood buying group
Established in 1808, the Suffolk-based independent foodservice wholesaler serves more than 2,000 customers across the healthcare, education, hospitality, hotels, restaurants and retail sectors.
“This is already shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for us as a business,” said Andrew Selley, CEO, Bidcorp UK. “These latest two acquisitions now make Caterfood one of the main buying groups serving the foodservice wholesale sector.
“Thomas Ridley is a highly experienced and accomplished foodservice supplier, and will perfectly complement the Caterfood Buying Group. As with the acquisition of the other independent businesses within the group, Thomas Ridley will continue operating as an autonomous and independent business.”
Both Harvest Fine Foods and Thomas Ridley Foodservice were members of Country Range Group. Chief Executive Martin Ward said: “Our Group is extremely close and it’s always a shame when we lose a member, especially one as long standing as Thomas Ridley. We wish Justin and the wider Thomas Ridley team best wishes for the future.”
“Acquisitions are part of business and although it’s not ideal, we take it as a compliment that people are taking note of our member’s values, businesses and success. It means we’re doing something right. The fact that our members become attractive propositions to the takeover merchants comes with the territory. Our job is to continue to support and grow true family-owned, independent businesses.”
The Country Range Group now has nine independent wholesale members: Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, Henderson Foodservice, Savona Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner Price.
Talking about the sale, Justin Godfrey, managing director of Thomas Ridley, said: “The business has been run by my family for over 200 years so it was important that we joined a company that shares the same customer-focussed DNA; making food delivery one less thing to worry about.
“Bidcorp UK’s Caterfood Buying Group has the resource to support Thomas Ridley Foodservice in further improving and developing our offer and service level to our customers whilst keeping those family values.
“The Godfrey Family genuinely feel that the Caterfood Buying Group strategy of allowing Thomas Ridley to operate as an autonomous business, whilst supported by the power and scale of Caterfood is the best option for all stakeholders. We would like to thank all of our past and present customers, suppliers and especially colleagues for making the business a great success.”
Andrew Selley Bidcorp Caterfood Buying Group Country Range Group Justin Godfrey Thomas Ridley Foodservice
