Brand Partnership - Food Supplier - October 2000

Gresham Trust, the private equity house, is backing Brand Partnership's new expansion financing with an undisclosed sum. Leeds-based Brand Partnership is a leading supplier of retail brand and branded products to UK grocery multiples. Founded in the early 1990s, Brand Partnership has grown into one of the top UK suppliers of dehydrated rice, pasta, soup and hot instant snacks with a turnover last year in excess of £20m.

The investment provides funding for the future growth and expansion of the business as Brand seeks to build on its impressive development over recent years.

As part of the expansion plan, new appointments have been made to the management team. Bill Mustoe, currently chairman of Cott Beverages and formerly with Campbell Soup Company, becomes non executive chairman, and Andy Micklethwaite, formerly of Sara Lee and Northern Foods, and Tim Robertshaw, formerly of KP and Ross Young's, become executive directors.

Christian Bruning and Mike Henebery co-ordinated the expansion financing and join the board of Brand Partnership. Barclays Bank provided senior debt and a working capital facility and Catalyst Corporate Finance were the lead advisers for the transaction.

Mike Henebery of Gresham Trust says, "We have invested in Brand Partnership now because we see a tremendous opportunity to continue the growth pattern the business has demonstrated to date both in existing and new markets. We shall continue to focus on innovation and customer service."