Fylde Fresh and Fabulous (FFF), a specialist potato and vegetable processor supplying major UK food manufacturers, has been acquired by private equity firm Chiltern Capital.

The deal, which was advised on by mid-market corporate finance advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts (DSW), brings agronomy and processing capacity to Chiltern’s existing agribusiness portfolio. Chiltern also owns Burgess Farms, a significant producer of vegetables and salads across the UK.

Operating from two processing facilities in Preston, Lancashire, and Leeds, West Yorkshire, FFF processes and distributes approximately 1,000 tonnes of fresh prepared vegetables every week to food manufacturing clients nationwide.

David Butler, Partner at Chiltern Capital, said: “FFF is an outstanding business with an experienced management team, a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and long-standing relationships with customers and growers. We see significant potential to build on those foundations and are delighted to be backing Simon and his team.

“Together with Burgess Farms, FFF brings complementary expertise and builds on our fresh produce group's seed-to-shelf offering. We see exciting opportunities to invest across the group, strengthen its capabilities and build a high-quality, resilient UK fresh produce supply chain.”

Simon Leaver, CEO at FFF, has been with the business for over 20 years and added: “This is an exciting moment for FFF and for everyone who has helped build it. My management team and I have chosen to invest in this next chapter ourselves because we believe in where the business is going. Our customers will see the same team, the same sites and the same commitment to quality and service — what changes is our ability to invest, with Chiltern's backing, and the opportunity to work with Burgess Farms as part of a broader fresh produce group, giving us real momentum for the next phase of growth.”

Gerard Lucas, Partner at DSW added: “It has been a pleasure to advise the shareholders and team at FFF on this transaction. It’s a great business led by a truly exceptional management team that will continue its impressive growth with the support of Chiltern.”

FFF was advised on corporate finance by DSW’s North West team, comprising Gerard Lucas, Callum Sellar, and Jack Keoghan. Legal counsel was provided by regional law firm Napthens, led by Richard Robinson and Sharon Graves.