The new deal strengthens Brakes fresh produce offer considerably. Pauleys specialises in nation-wide, fresh-produce supply to the food service industry and has an annual turnover of some £50million. Its next-day delivery service will now complement Brakes fleet of 1,500 vehicles. 'I am very excited about joining the Brakes team,' said Pauleys md Roger Canham. 'It will be good for our customers and our employees.' Brakes md of UK sales Nigel Terry described the acquisition as 'significant' and said it represents a 'considerable opportunity for cross-selling of fresh produce within Brakes'.

The Brakes group was recently acquired by Clayton Dubilier & Rice. This latest acquisition is part of the Brakes's strategy for European food-service domination. It is already one of the leading players in frozen, fresh and ambient foods in catering supply in the UK and the second largest in the frozen and chilled sectors in France.