Private Equity Firm Acquires UK Distributor
Private equity firm One Equity Partners has completed the acquisition of Kitwave Group plc, a UK-based wholesale distributor of food, beverages, and other consumables serving both foodservice and retail customers, according to Private Equity Wire.
Kitwave’s Business Operations
Kitwave, founded in 1987, operates across three primary segments: foodservice, which supplies restaurants, bars, and leisure outlets; frozen and chilled, distributing fresh and frozen products to retail clients; and ambient, delivering packaged goods such as snacks, soft drinks, confectionery, and tobacco to independent convenience stores and grocery chains. The company manages 37 facilities across the UK and operates a fleet of 650 delivery vehicles, fulfilling more than 6,500 orders daily, as reported by Private Equity Wire.
OEP’s Statement on the Acquisition
Steve Lunau, Partner at One Equity Partners, stated that the acquisition reflects the firm’s confidence in Kitwave’s strong operational foundation and growth potential. This move aligns with broader trends in private equity investments in distribution firms, a pattern observed in industry reports over recent years.
Company Profile and Scale
Kitwave’s operations span the UK, with its segments catering to diverse customer needs in foodservice and retail. The acquisition underscores OEP’s interest in established distributors, according to Private Equity Wire.
