Torrance-based James Allan Bakers has acquired all bar one of East End Bakery’s retail estate as part of the continued expansion of the Scottish firm.
Five out of East End’s six shops were purchased for an undisclosed sum as the Inverclyde-based business was reportedly on the verge of going into liquidation.
The previous owner of East End Bakery, Stephen Hutcheon, will continue to run the remaining shop in Belville Street, Glasgow, as well as the firm’s wholesale operation from its bakery in Port Glasgow. His business will trade as Clydeside Bakery.
James Allan’s new shops three in Greenock, one in Kilmacolm and one in Gourock will continue to trade under the name of East End Bakery. The 30 full and part-time staff previously employed at these outlets, will continue to stay on under the new owners. Products have been supplied to the new shops from James Allan’s main bakery in Torrance since 15 September, following the temporary closure of two of the new shops on 14 September for a staff briefing and training session.
"We are very pleased with this acquisition, which represents a significant growth in our retail presence in the West of Scotland," said James Allan Bakers’ managing director Mark Bradford. He told British Baker that the trading history of East End and the fact it was a well known business in the area were key factors in the decision to buy the outlets.
"Despite the economic climate, our sales are holding up well and this is testament to our philosophy of sticking to the traditional "home baking" style of making our products," he said.
Following the acquisition, James Allan Bakers has a total of 16 shops and employs 90 staff.