Burton’s Biscuit Co. has bought shortbread maker Paterson Arran for an undisclosed sum.
Alongside the Paterson’s shortbread brand, the acquisition sees the Brontë, Café Brontë and Arran Fine Foods brands join Burton’s portfolio.
Paterson Arran employs around 200 people and runs two production facilities: the Royal Burgh Bakery in Livingston, West Lothian, which makes shortbread, oatcakes, biscuits and cookies; and the Old Mill in Lamlash, Arran, which primarily produces chutneys, mustards and preserves.
The purchase is the second major acquisition by Burton’s this year. In February it bought premium sweet and savoury biscuit manufacturer, Thomas Fudge’s.
Burton’s boss Nick Field said: “Paterson Arran is a superb business with a first-rate product portfolio and baking expertise which combines time honoured methods with the very latest technology, to make outstanding products.
“The acquisition is a further indication of our intent to increase our production capability, to extend our product offering and to continue growing our presence in the biscuit market.”
Retiring Paterson Arran Chairman Alan Hardie added: “I am honoured to have been at the helm of this great company for the last 25 years and am equally as excited about what the future holds. Paterson Arran and Burton’s have shared values of a commitment to baking excellence and to producing top quality, great-tasting products. Everyone associated with them can be extremely proud.”
