Boparan Private Office’s recent investment has led to the establishment of Roberts Bakery 1887 Ltd, thereby securing 433 jobs at this iconic bakery business.
As part of the Boparan Private Office portfolio, Roberts Bakery 1887 Ltd will benefit from the backing and expertise of a strong enterprise, which already has significant interests in the food manufacturing sector.
This announcement follows Roberts Bakery’s disclosure about its preparations for administration earlier this month.
Less than six weeks earlier, the bakery had indicated it was considering the closure of its Ilkeston site, among other restructuring announcements that threatened hundreds of positions at its Northwich facility.
The Northwich facility faced a significant setback due to a fire in 2023, which had lasting repercussions on its recovery.
Simultaneously, the bakery market has experienced challenging conditions, marked by rising costs and intensifying competition. The traditional bread segment has been particularly affected, as highlighted by the recent merger activities between bread producers Hovis and Kingsmill.
Emerging sandwich alternatives, premium loaves, and health-conscious breads are increasingly dominating the market, with brands such as Jason’s Sourdough and Village Bakery gaining traction through innovative approaches.
With Boparan Private Office’s support, the existing management team will receive additional resources and talent, ensuring a sustainable future for the Roberts Bakery brand.
“We are proud to play a part in preserving this iconic bakery, its people, and its heritage. Frank Roberts & Sons has been at the heart of the community for over a century, and we are committed to supporting its long-term success as Roberts Bakery 1887 Ltd,” stated a spokesperson for Boparan Private Office.
The Roberts Family expressed their relief: “The Roberts family are profoundly relieved that the business has been saved by a consortium of the management team backed by BPO and that there will be a recovery plan to ensure it can prosper and thrive and that so many jobs will be saved. We are of course sad it will no longer be us who are there to share in this new opportunity.”
“It has been our utter privilege to have known so many of the people who have worked with us, and we wish you all our very best wishes for the future.”
Details regarding the financial aspects of the transaction remain undisclosed at this time.
Boparan Private Office boasts a diverse portfolio that encompasses food production, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Bernard Matthews, the European 2 Sisters poultry division, and Hook 2 Sisters, which was acquired earlier this year.
