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Woodward purchase creates catering supergroup
Page 18
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ONE OF THE BIGGEST food suppliers to the catering industry is nearly doubling in size after taking over a rival.
Woodward Foodservice, based near Chester, says the acquisition of DBC will create a group worth more than £400m which has enormous potential for further growth.
Chief executive Ed Hyslop (pictured) describes Herts-based DBC as a great f tt for Woodward, which was bought out by its management a year ago. Its distribution centres will strengthen our network and give us an excellent customer base across a number of strategically important sectors," he adds.
The combined businesses employ 1,900 people and have a network of 28 distribution centres around the country.
Hyslop says there will be a limited amount of service duplication following integration, adding: No decisions have been taken regarding jobs but we'll keep employees informed."
Before the acquisition, Woodward claimed to be the third-biggest operator in its sector after
3663 and Brakes. Earlier this year, it invested £9m on 150 purpose-built M-B Atego artics.