Coopland & Son (Scarborough) Ltd was previously owned by EG Group, which acquired the firm in 2021.
In a statement announcing the transaction, Cooplands highlighted that this sale “brings ownership of the operation back to a team of Yorkshire investors,” a significant milestone 140 years after the bakery’s foundation in the county.
EG Group, a convenience retail firm established in 2001 by the Issa brothers, subsequently gained a stake in Asda. Notably, both brothers remain active on the EG Group board.
The management buy-in will be led by David Salkeld, who is poised to reassume his role as chair. He is joined by Paul Coopland, a descendant of the original Cooplands family, who will return as a non-executive director.
Furthermore, John Ruddock, with over 20 years of dedication to the business, will continue his tenure as CEO. The leadership team also welcomes two new executives: John Kitson as chief financial officer and Steph McGinty as HR and transformation director.
Cooplands operates two bakeries that produce freshly baked goods distributed through a robust supply and logistics network to 154 stores, primarily located in the North East and Yorkshire regions.
Founded in 1885 by Frederick and Alice Coopland as a pork butcher and pie maker, the bakery now employs over 1,400 colleagues.
Commenting on this significant move, Ruddock stated: “It is with genuine pride that we announce today’s purchase, which brings Cooplands back under the management of a locally based team with strong and established knowledge of our organisation, our colleagues, suppliers and customers.”
“This gives us the opportunity to focus on strategic growth for the future, whilst preserving the traditional values and excellence for which the brand has been known and respected for over 140 years.”
