Company Shop in Barnsley acquired by waste management firm Biffa for £82.5m

Waste management firm Biffa has acquired Barnsley-based surplus food and household products redistributor Company Shop in a deal worth £82.5m.
John Marren: "Our aligned values and shared ambition will enable both the delivery of a truly unique circular economy proposition to industry alongside continued growth in the important role that sustainable redistribution plays.John Marren: "Our aligned values and shared ambition will enable both the delivery of a truly unique circular economy proposition to industry alongside continued growth in the important role that sustainable redistribution plays.
John Marren: "Our aligned values and shared ambition will enable both the delivery of a truly unique circular economy proposition to industry alongside continued growth in the important role that sustainable redistribution plays.

Company Shop prevents waste by identifying surplus produce and then collecting, processing and redistributing it for sale through its unique network of membership-based outlets.

Surplus produce includes production overruns, trial products, or produce that has been incorrectly labelled or packaged, which would usually go to waste.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michael Topham, chief executive of Biffa, said: "The acquisition of Company Shop Group strengthens Biffa's leadership position in the UK circular economy.

"Its redistribution services complement Biffa's established waste and recycling services, and supply of closed loop recycled raw materials.

"As the only commercial redistributor of scale in the UK, Company Shop Group is the market-leader in a growing sector, with a strong, credible growth plan which we will deliver together.

"Biffa and Company Shop Group share a common set of goals, including the continued development of profitable, sustainable waste management solutions while making a meaningful contribution to society.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We welcome all of Company Shop Group's members, partners and staff to Biffa and look forward to the next stage of the business' development."

The deal has been funded from existing committed debt facilities and is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing on completion.

Steph McGinty, group managing director of Company Shop, said: "We are proud to be the UK's leading redistributor of surplus food and household products.

"We are a passionate business working for our industry, our colleagues, our members and our communities; we call it Corporate Surplus Responsibility.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Hallmarked by long-standing and powerful partnerships, at the heart of our business is the understanding that big challenges need big solutions, and these are always better delivered in partnership.

"Together, as part of Biffa plc and aligned in vision and purpose, we will continue to innovate and grow, enabling us to provide even more sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. I am delighted to lead Company Shop Group in this exciting new chapter of its journey."

John Marren, founder of Company Shop, said: "Our aligned values and shared ambition will enable both the delivery of a truly unique circular economy proposition to industry alongside continued growth in the important role that sustainable redistribution plays.

"I am proud that this decision will enable Company Shop Group to step confidently into the future, as part of the global movement to reduce waste in our industry and our society. Today, more than ever, we are called to address the climate emergency, build our economy and support our communities."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Company Shop was advised on the deal by a multi-disciplinary team at KPMG.

Christian Mayo, who leads the firm’s corporate finance practice in Yorkshire, said: "Company Shop has led the way in reducing food waste in the UK.

"Its acquisition by Biffa creates a unique proposition in the waste management industry, adding redistribution to Biffa’s existing capabilities, helping it to play a greater role in the sustainability agenda.”

Company Shop was also advised by Walker Morris and CIL.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.