Bestway Wholesale has acquired Dee Bee Wholesale, The Grocer can reveal.
The deal forms part of Bestway Wholesale’s strategic growth plans. It will boost its regional footprint, wholesale capability and support for independent retailers and on-trade operators across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Dee Bee Wholesale has been operating for more than 65 years with reported annual sales of approximately £57m in its last financial year.
The company serves 1,400 retail and on-trade customers and employs 87 colleagues across its two depots in Hull and Grimsby.
“We are delighted to welcome Dee Bee Wholesale into the Bestway Wholesale network. Dee Bee is a long-established family business with more than 65 years of customer service heritage, loyal customer base and detailed regional knowledge across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire,” said Bestway Wholesale MD Dawood Pervez.
“This reflects our continued confidence in the future of independent wholesale and retail.”
Dee Bee Wholesale MD Nick Ramsden said: “This marks an important milestone for Dee Bee Wholesale and the next stage in the business’s journey.
“Bestway Wholesale is a business with significant scale, ambition and a strong commitment to supporting independent retailers and customers. I am confident that becoming part of the Bestway Wholesale network will create new opportunities for the business and bring long-term benefits for customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.
“Customers can be reassured that it is very much business as usual. Our team, service and local relationships remain in place, and we will continue to support customers with the same commitment and service they have come to expect.
“As the business becomes integrated into the wider Bestway Wholesale network, customers will also benefit from access to Bestway’s competitive pricing, market-leading promotions and extensive product range, creating an even stronger proposition for the future.”
The acquisition means Dee Bee Wholesale has ceased to be a member of Unitas. The buying group said Dee Bee had been a longstanding and valued member of the group and thanked Ramsden and the Dee Bee team for their ”contribution over many years and wish them every success for the future”.
Unitas Wholesale CEO John Kinney said: “Dee Bee has played an important role in the history of our group, and we thank the Ramsden family and their colleagues for their contribution over many years. While we are naturally sorry to see them leave the membership, we respect their decision and wish them every success. Our focus remains firmly on supporting our members and continuing to deliver the scale, value and services that help independent wholesalers thrive.”
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