Blakemore Wholesale has announced the purchase of leading South Wales-based wholesaler BA Cash & Carry.
The acquisition consists of two large BA depots located in Cardiff and Swansea, boasting a turnover of around £93 million, and establishes Blakemore Wholesale as the third largest company of its kind in the UK market with a combined turnover of £340 million.
BA Cash & Carry, previously owned by the Ahmed family, was established in Cardiff in 1973 and has expanded numerous times in the past 40 years to cater for increasing customer numbers.
Blakemore Wholesale managing director, Sam Wilcox, said: 'This is a major acquisition for Blakemore Wholesale and comes soon after our purchase of three Lowries Wholesale depots, located in the north of England, last July.
“BA is another well-established family business and the purchase will strengthen our position within the wholesale sector, specifically across South Wales, following the purchase of Mogford’s Cash & Carry, in Newport, back in 2001.
“BA is a highly regarded wholesaler, boasting two of the largest cash & carry depots in Wales along with a growing delivered retail and food service operation.'
He added: “Blakemore Wholesale is delighted with this acquisition and looks forward to working alongside the 180-strong BA team to deliver an even greater level of service to our combined customer base.”
As a result of the purchase, Blakemore Wholesale has expanded its operations to 14 depots located across Wales, the West Midlands and the north of England.
Cardiff-based PwC corporate finance director, Gary Partridge, who acted for the Ahmed family on the deal, said:'BA Cash & Carry is a fantastic example of a Welsh business managed with family values and which puts a lot back into the local business community. Blakemore is a business forged from the same tradition and is a perfect match.'
