Business

Henderson Group acquires Co Monaghan food firm as part of ongoing expansion plans

Pictured are: Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group; Paul Bowe, managing director of BD Foods and Damien Barrett, managing director of Henderson Foodservice
Pictured are: Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group; Paul Bowe, managing director of BD Foods and Damien Barrett, managing director of Henderson Foodservice Pictured are: Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group; Paul Bowe, managing director of BD Foods and Damien Barrett, managing director of Henderson Foodservice
By Gareth McKeown

ONE of the north's largest employers, the Henderson Group, has acquired a Co Monaghan food company as part of ongoing expansion plans.

Henderson Foodservice, which forms part of the overall Group, has purchased BD Foods for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1993 by the Bowe family and located in Glaslough, BD Foods (Barbarrie Duckling Limited) supplies a wide range of fresh, frozen and dry goods to the premium foodservice sector throughout the island of Ireland. As part of the deal BD Foods will operate as a stand-a-lone business in Glaslough and will retain its corporate name and identity.

Managing director of Henderson Foodservice, Damien Barrett said the companies share a similar approach to business,

employee relations and customer service.

“The acquisition is an exciting time for us as a business. BD Foods is a terrific company with a strong reputation and like the Henderson Group, is a family run business with a positive work ethos and is a significant employer in its locality."

“Our purchase of BD Foods will strengthen our product portfolio at Henderson Foodservice specifically in the hotel and high-end restaurant business. It also presents substantial opportunities for us to increase our customer base across the island of Ireland," he added.

The acquisition is in line with Henderson Foodservice’s future strategy and expansion which includes a £25 million investment in new facilities, staff and business development.

BD Foods managing director, Paul Bowe added: “Going forward this is an excellent move for our staff and management team and will enable the company to progress and expand more quickly and efficiently which will ultimately benefit both staff and customers.

“Many of our customers started out with us over 20 years ago and are still trading with BD Foods. As part of Henderson Group we believe we can further grow those relationships and better service our customers both new and established.”

Four independent entities make up the Henderson Group brand – Henderson Wholesale, which is complemented by subsidiary companies Henderson Technology and Henderson Print, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property.