Ashtons Legal advises on Thomas Ridley sale to Bidcorp UK

Ashtons’ Business Client Group is delighted to have advised the Godfrey family, shareholders of Ridley Godfrey (Holdings) Limited, on the sale of Thomas Ridley Foodservice to the multi-billion pound food service group Bidcorp UK.

Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial Geoff Hazlewood led the transactional team, with Charlotte Vallins advising on commercial property and Jessica Piper assisting with the employment aspects of the sale.

Farmer Thomas Ridley set up his first shop in Bury St Edmunds in 1808. The family business has passed through six generations and is now run by Managing Director and great-great-great-great-great grandson Justin Godfrey. The local shop closed some time ago, but the company has expanded over the years and now employs 280 people in Bury St Edmunds. They supply food and drink to hospitality and catering customers primarily to the East and South of England, with sales in the region of £80m.

The deal, which was for an undisclosed sum, will see the Thomas Ridley brand remain, and the business will continue to run under the management of Mr Godfrey and the existing management team.

Further information about the deal can be found on the Thomas Ridley website or in the press on the EADT website.

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