Thermos to expand UK business with acquisition of Leeds distribution company

Thermos, the global manufacturer of portable insulated food and drink containers, has completed the acquisition of a Leeds-based distribution business.

Brands Home & Leisure (BHL) Group Ltd, which has been Thermos’ distribution partner in the UK since 2001, was first established in Leeds in the 1930s as a distributor of housewares products, specializing in glassware.

As part of the acquisition, the existing senior management team of Nick Kime, Mark Snape and Richard Walker will remain in place to lead BHL and work closely with the Thermos team to help deliver the group’s plans.

Rick Dias, president and chief operating officer, Thermos L.L.C., whose parent companies acquired BHL Group Ltd, said: “BHL has been a valuable and steadfast partner for 16 years. We are excited to join together in this new alliance and look forward to creating opportunities for expanded growth in the UK market.”

Nick Kime, managing director of BHL, added: “Thermos and Genuine Thermos Brand products have been at the core of our business since the beginning of our partnership. This is a natural next step in the evolution of our successful union.”

The shareholders of BHL were advised by commercial law firm Lupton Fawcett.

Martin Frost, corporate partner who led a cross-departmental team from Lupton Fawcett’s York and Leeds offices, commented: “We were delighted to have been able to assist Nick and the team on the sale to Thermos.

“Having worked closely with the company for some time, we were able to help structure a deal that worked for all parties.

“The formal coming together of Thermos and the BHL team ushers in an exciting new chapter for the business and we wish Nick and the team every success taking it forward.”

With this acquisition, Thermos will actively pursue plans to further develop its business in the UK.

A team from Yorkshire law firm Gordons comprising Jonathan Asquez, Amy Pierechod and Edward Strudwick advised Thermos on the acquisition.