Elkes Biscuits has been acquired from 2 Sisters by Boparan Private Office, saving more than 500 jobs at the manufacturer’s Uttoxeter factory in the process.
The deal, which was for an undisclosed fee, sees Elkes join the Boparan stable of brands including Bernard Matthews, Carluccios, Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner.
The future of the Uttoxeter site was thrown into doubt in September 2021 when 2 Sisters opened a consultation on its potential closure after deeming the business ‘significantly loss making’ and commercially unviable. However, a corporate statement from Elkes announced that the sale to Boporan “ends a period of uncertainty for the site”.
“We were always clear that we were looking to find a purchaser of the business as an alternative to closure, so it is very satisfying to successfully complete this transaction. This is good news for the business and the town, securing the immediate future of the site and keeping alive the 100-year biscuit-making heritage in Uttoxeter,” the statement added.
2 Sisters acquired Elkes under the Fox’s Biscuits banner in 2011 as part of a £342m deal for Northern Foods and retained ownership of the business after selling Fox’s and associated sites at Batley and Kirkham to Ferrero in November 2020. The Uttoxeter factory has since been used for the manufacturing of own label products for major retailers.
Kevin Hand, the site director, hailed the sale to Boparan Private Office as a “fresh chapter” for the business, offering it “the best possible chance to grow and develop”.
“What became apparent last year when there was so much uncertainty about the future of the factory was just how much the local community loved and cared for Elkes Biscuits,” Hand said. “Many generations of families have either worked here or still work here, and it clearly means so much to so many people. So, to be able to announce this great news and save this site and the hundreds of jobs that go with it will hopefully bring a smile to many people’s faces.
“But the hard work starts now,” Hand added. “We want to build a long-term sustainable business here and bring through more generations of people. There will hopefully be more opportunities for people locally as we grow with our new owner. It’s a very exciting time for all of us.”
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