The Lanchester Group has expanded its presence in the confectionary sector after buying a luxury chocolate business.
Hf Chocolates imports and distributes luxury chocolates and novelties to the retail sector but has now been acquired by sweet company Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd.
Wetherby-based Bon Bon’s is owned by County Durham’s Lanchester Group, which purchased it in August 2017. The deal will bosst it confectionary division, and will create 10 jobs at Bon Bon’s head office in Wetherby.
While hf Chocolates will continue to be run independently, Bon Bon’s intends to increase the company’s range of products as well as the services it offers to it customers.
Steve Campbell, managing director of Bon Bon’s, said: “The addition of hf Chocolates to our business underlines our ongoing commitment to the luxury confectionery market.
“Both businesses are focused on the independent speciality food sector and our purchase of hf Chocolates will mean all customers in this sector will continue to benefit from two very distinct business and product offerings, while enjoying the high levels of customer service and innovation that the market has come to expect from Bon Bon’s.”
Hf Chocolates, which is based in Milton Keynes, was founded in 1957 and was bought by Stephen Pain and Thelma Benke in 1999. After 20 years, the duo are preparing to retire and took the opportunity to sell the firm. Its customers range from independent sweet shops to 海角视频 department stores.
Mr Pain and Ms Benke will be working with the team at Bon Bon’s during the transition period.
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Mr Pain said: “We’ve worked hard to build hf Chocolates into the successful business it is today, so our decision to hand over was not taken lightly.
“We have known Bon Bon’s for some time and believe its reputation for quality mirrors our own. It was vital that our business’ new owners shared our passion and commitment to both quality and customer service, and we believe we’ve found the right custodians for our business as it moves into its next chapter.”
Corporate finance and investment boutique Ignite Capital advised on the deal.
Paul Thompson, managing director at Ignite Capital, said: “I am delighted we have found the right home for hf Chocolates and have worked tirelessly to find a buyer like Bon Bon’s ever since Stephen and Thelma indicated they wish to retire and pass the business onto new owners.
“We had lots of interest since taking the business to market, but Bon Bon’s were decisive and made their intentions clear from the start. The vendors and I believe we have found the best home for the business and we will look forward to seeing the business thrive in the future.”