Scarborough-based wholesaler Stuart’s Foods (UK) acquires rival northern supplier as it looks to expand by taking over complementary businesses.

The company says that it plans to invest a further GBP500k into S Clift over the next five years, with modernizing upgrades including applying for industry food handling accreditations and new refrigerated vans.

The purchase is likely to be the first in an ongoing acquisition process aimed at extending the footprint of Stuart’s through the acquisition of complementary businesses including, potentially, butchers, bakers, delis and food wholesalers.

“We now serve in excess of 800 customers across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire; employ 33 people; operate 18 delivery vans, and deliver more than 170,000 liters of milk and 525,000 kilograms of potatoes in an year – we have taken on S Clift and its 13 Lincolnshire-based staff, and premises, as a going concern,” according to a press release from Stuart’s Foods.

Third generation family business S Clift Grimsby Limited, was originally set up in 1927. The opportunity for us to purchase it came up after the most recent owner wanted to retire at 67, and his children were no longer interested in running the business. Stuart’s Foods was originally established in 1986.