Equistone sells Whitworths to Anatolia

The transaction brings to an end a holding period of three and a half years for the vendor, during which time the business launched new ranges of healthy snacks.

Anatolia has reportedly had a trading relationship with Whitworths dating back 38 years, with the acquirer having historically acted as a supplier to the UK-based company.

Following the deal, Whitworths' existing management team will continue to oversee the company's UK operations, according to a statement. The business is also due to invest in the expansion of its British production facilities.

The transaction is an exit for Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV, which held a final close on €1.5bn in January 2013.

Previous funding
Equistone acquired a majority stake in Whitworths in September 2013 in a deal valued at £90m. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by HSBC, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Company
Founded in 1886 and based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, Whitworths is a supplier of branded and own-label dried fruit, nuts and seed products. The business generated a turnover of £158m in the year ending May 2015, according to publicly available documents, with operating profits of £7.4m.

People
Equistone – Phil Griesbach, Andrew Backen, Joyce Church (partners).

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• Topics
• Exits
• UK / Ireland
• Consumer
• United Kingdom
• Equistone Partners Europe
• Trade sale