HOUSTON, TX – Sysco and Kent Frozen Foods have signed an agreement, in which Sysco Foods will acquire U.K.-based foodservice distributer Kent Frozen Foods, a successful company with £47 million (about $64.8 million USD) in revenue for 2016. Kent will join Sysco’s other U.K. acquisition including Brakes, Fresh Direct, and M&J Seafood.
“Kent Frozen Foods will complement Sysco’s other U.K. businesses perfectly,” said Ajoy Karna, Sysco’s Senior Vice President of International Foodservice Operations, Europe in a recent press release. “Our businesses share many values, including a strong family heritage and customer-led culture, and will benefit from complementary strengths in product offering and geography.”
While the newest addition to Sysco's reach is more in frozen than fresh, the stronger foothold it will give in name and bottom line are worth noting. In that vein, Karna added, “The management team at Kent Frozen Foods has done a fantastic job building their business, which focuses heavily on independent customers, making it a perfect addition to our portfolio of businesses in the U.K. We’re delighted that they and their loyal employees will be joining the Sysco family.”
Though the acquisition will grant Kent Frozen Foods the support of Sysco, Kent will remain relatively autonomous, still responsible for operations, and in close contact with other Sysco businesses.
Chris Beckley, Kent Frozen Foods CEO, said, “We are thrilled to be joining the Sysco family. For our business, our colleagues, and customers, having the added benefit of support from the world’s largest foodservice company presents an exciting and positive time ahead for all of us.”
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