Associated British Foods PLC on Tuesday said it is in talks with the owner of Hovis as it mulls options for its Allied Bakeries division.
Last Tuesday, the London-based food processing and clothing retailing business said it was ‘evaluating’ strategic options for Allied Bakeries as it continues to face a ‘very challenging market.’
On Monday, AB Foods confirmed press reports that it is in discussions with Endless LLP regarding a potential transaction.
‘We are evaluating strategic options for Allied Bakeries,’ the firm said in a statement.
Endless LLP, the Leeds-based private equity company, owns bakery brand Hovis.
Allied Bakeries owns the bread brands Kingsmill, Allinson’s, and Sunblest. It also produces own-label bakery ranges for major UK supermarkets.
On Saturday, Sky News said AB Foods and Endless have been involved in prolonged discussions about a combination of the two bakery businesses.
Sky said AB Foods is also said to be exploring other options for the future of Allied Bakeries which do not include a deal with Hovis.
Shares in AB Foods were 1.2% higher at 2,075.00 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.
Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.