Bidfresh has completed the acquisition of Hartlepool-based Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand as part of a strategy to strengthens the firm’s market position and double in size over the next five years.
The acquisition is the first under the leadership of Andy Farnworth, who became the wholesaler’s managing director last summer. He has been tasked delivering greater scale and a broader product range, with this latest deal forming part of this.
Both companies will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Peter Hodgson as managing director, while Lee Roberts will continue to head Sailbrand as business director.
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Farnworth said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Peter, Jill, Ian, Lee and their teams into the Bidfresh family. We have long admired both businesses and are confident that, with our support, they will continue to flourish in their respective regions, serving their customers with outstanding quality fish and seafood.
“We are committed to expanding our Bidfresh network into new territories, both through organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional fresh businesses that share our values and enhance our overall proposition. The addition of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand is a perfect example of this strategy in action.
Hodgson added: “We see Bidfresh as the ideal partner, thanks to their core values of quality and service, and their commitment to allowing individual businesses to retain their unique operations within the group. We are excited about the future and look forward to working closely with Andy and the wider Bidfresh team. It will be very much business as usual — the same management team will remain in place, continuing our hands-on approach and personal service ethos.
