Pat the Baker and Irish Pride, two prominent Irish bakery brands, are set to undergo a transition in ownership to the London-based investment firm Mayfair Equity Partners.
The acquisition, the financial specifics of which remain undisclosed, has been processed through Ceres Group — Mayfair’s parent company managing its bakery business portfolio. This strategic move comes as the brands were purchased from their previous owner, Azeda Unlimited Company.
While all involved parties have opted not to comment, confirmation of the deal is available through documentation filed with Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPCC).
Based in County Longford, Pat the Baker, along with Dublin-based Irish Pride, is a well-known entity within Ireland’s bakery sector. As part of Ceres Group, these brands will join an esteemed portfolio that includes other well-regarded Irish food businesses, such as Promise Gluten Free and Gallaghers Bakehouse, as well as US brands like Rudi’s Bakery and Three Bakers.
Reliable sources disclosed that following the acquisition, Pat the Baker and Irish Pride will collaborate with Ceres’ existing Irish baking operations. This initiative aims to alleviate manufacturing constraints and address the rising demand for baked goods among consumers.
According to these sources, “Pat the Baker and Irish Pride will provide critical production capacity for the rapidly growing Gallaghers Bakehouse premium artisanal bakery.”
Each company will retain its existing management team, maintain operational independence, and continue to leverage its distinct brand identity under Ceres.
Moreover, reports indicated that last March, Mayfair Equity Partners was considering the sale of Promise Gluten Free.
