Buyers have been found for the vast majority of Leeds-based Ainsleys, which went into administration in November, with Country Style Foods acquiring the company’s central bakery and brand.

A deal has also been struck to sell 20 of Ainsleys’ 29 leasehold retail outlets, split evenly between craft bakery chains Cooplands of Scarborough and Cooplands of Doncaster. Ainsleys’ sandwich van business has been sold to AW Food Services.

Joe McLean, a partner at administrator Grant Thornton, said: “We are really pleased to have found buyers for the majority of the various businesses within the Ainsleys portfolio. Negotiations are still ongoing in respect of the remaining nine stores and we hope to be able to announce a positive resolution shortly.

“I would like to thank all Ainsleys staff for their help and support during this difficult time. Their loyalty and commitment to Ainsleys, shown by their high standard of work despite uncertainty and terrible weather conditions, has been vital in securing a buyer.”

For the full story, see the February 12 issue of British Baker, out today.