91 jobs secured as Durham wine merchant acquires Wetherby confectionery business

Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd, the Durham-based wine merchant, has acquired luxury hand-packed confectionery business Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd.

As a result of the deal, all 91 jobs are secured at the Wetherby-based sweets and chocolate business.

Bon Bon’s, which provides confectionery for independent retailers and visitor attractions, will become part of Lanchester Wines’ gifting division, Lanchester Gifts.

Lanchester Gifts supplies a variety of gift box formats to retail businesses including high street chains and online stores.

The gifting division also includes luxury pet product brand, Best in Show and high end hamper business, Spicers of Hythe, which was acquired by Lanchester Wines in 2015.

Bon Bon’s will continue to operate as a stand-alone business under the existing brand with its directors, Mark Rowntree and Peter Julian, continuing to manage the team.

Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd, trading as Lanchester Wines, was established in 1980 by Tony and Veronica Cleary, and remains a privately owned family business.

Tony said: “We see the acquisition of Bon Bon’s a natural progression for our business, allowing us to reach new markets and extend our product offering. Mark and Peter have established a solid, successful business and we have every intention of working with them closely to grow even stronger.

“We cut our teeth in the wine business nearly 40 years ago. In 2007 we diversified into gifting, starting with wine gifts and hampers, and now Lanchester Gifts is one of the largest businesses of its kind in the UK supplying a large section of the retail industry with own label gift products.

“Through Bon Bon’s we’ll have direct access to luxury confectionery and chocolate to use within Lanchester Gifts’ products, enhancing both our offering and our ranges. In turn, this will extend the reach of Bon Bon’s products to new customers and drive sales. We see this acquisition as a natural progression for both brands and are looking forward to growing both businesses.”

Mark Rowntree, Bon Bon’s director, added: “Both Peter and I firmly believe Lanchester Wines and Lanchester Gifts offer Bon Bon’s the right home for both the business and our team. Both companies possess a family business ethos and share many common values.

“This acquisition provides an excellent fit for the companies’ customers, suppliers and staff allowing us to grow with an extended knowledge-base.”

Lanchester Wines worked with Square One Law and Andy Parker of HSBC. Grant Thornton provided due diligence.

John Hammill, corporate partner from commercial law firm Square One Law, said: “The acquisition of Bon Bon’s is a very good fit with Lanchester Wines’ existing business model and will enable it to increase its capabilities and presence in luxury gifting market.

“The combined experience of both businesses creates the potential for new employment and expansion in the future.”

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