Roberts Bakery has bought Aldreds the Bakers after parent company D&G Food Group put its four bakeries up for sale earlier this month.

The deal to acquire Derbyshire-based Aldreds has secured the jobs of all 62 members of staff at the factory, which manufactures rolls, bakery and confectionery products and has a turnover of £3m.

Aldreds will operate as a division of Roberts, "and will benefit from the solid financial foundation and strong buying power of the £69.5m Roberts group", announced the firm. Aldreds’ factory in Ilkeston will continue to operate as normal and its current management team will remain in place.

"This is a very positive move for both companies," commented Mike Braddock, MD of Roberts Bakery. "We’re delighted to not only invest in Aldreds’ future but also to provide job secu-rity for its loyal team of staff," he added.

Another D&G company, Tredinnick Fine Foods, based in Newton Abbot, Devon, has also been sold, although the buyer has not yet been disclosed.

Darren Brookes, partner at administrator Milner Boardman & Partners, said: "This is undoubtedly good news, as it will help to safeguard the jobs of around 100 staff currently employed at the two sites."

He said it was continuing to explore options for selling Queen of Hearts, with a view to securing the futures of a further 40 jobs. Added Brookes: "Regrettably, no credible offers have been received for the business and assets of West of England Bakers and, unfortunately, it looks like this operation will remain closed."