AB Mauri has acquired ingredients suppliers Holgran and Fleming Howden from Rank Hovis Milling.

The deal, announced in May, will enable AB Mauri to continue developing its technical capability and broaden its market, said AB Mauri UK and Ireland managing director Andrew Pollard (pictured above).

Based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Holgran supplies malted grains, seeds and blend inclusions, while Edinburgh-based Fleming Howden sources, manufactures and distributes a range of bakery ingredients and yeast products.

“Both businesses are well established, with rich heritages, and have strong reputations. They are well-run and have highly capable, passionate and dedicated teams of people – principles that align perfectly to the business values of AB Mauri,” added Pollard.

“In light of these exciting acquisitions, AB Mauri expects to continue developing its existing technical capability and broaden market opportunities alike. Most importantly, AB Mauri will be able to build on its ability to flexibly respond to customers.”

Hovis said the sale was part of a strategy to focus on its baking and milling business, adding it had been looking to drive growth across the whole group following the creation of Hovis Ltd in 2014, when Hovis was split from Premier Foods.