Deesider takes over the Danes

Ed Hyslop, 37, a former management consultant, took charge of Woodward Foodservices in 1997 when it had sales of just £12m.

He helped organise Woodward’s acquisition by Iceland Foods and when they were taken private, led a management buy-out last year from The Big Food Group.

They have announced today the take over (for £25Mn.) of DBC, part of the Danish Crown Group. DBC have 13 distribution warehouses in the UK, employ 800 people and an annual turnover of £200m. Woodward, which supplies products including fresh fish, fresh meat, frozen and chilled food to restaurants, pubs, hotels and schools across Britain, has an annual turnover of £210m and employs 1,100 people.

Combining the 2 groups together will create a £500m business ranking 3rd in the UK catering supplies industry after Brakes and 3663 (3663 spells FOOD on a telephone number pad- Geddit ?). “Combining the two businesses will give us a fabulous platform from which to grow further,” said Hyslop.

The deal has been backed by Woodward’s existing Icelandic investors Baugur and Talden. Debt finance is provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance and Landsbanki Commercial Finance.

An IPO cannot be far away.