SandpiperCI announces the sale of its wholesale food service and distribution business

Wednesday 29 April 2015

SandpiperCI has announced the forthcoming sale of its wholesale food service and distribution business Cimandis to Bidvest Food Service International.

Bidvest is a global group of companies employing more than 145,000 people with an annual £10bn turnover. The company trades in the UK as Bidvest 3663 and provides a comprehensive range of products and services to the food service, distribution and retail sectors from 28 regional distribution and support centres employing 4,500 people.

Sandpiper CEO Tony O’Neill said: “This sale completes the dedicated retailer strategy we announced when we acquired CI Traders more than seven years ago. Since then our company has sold pubs, hotels and manufacturing units and this final divestment allows Sandpiper to focus on the continued development of our local retail businesses, along with the introduction of key franchise brands into mainland Europe.”

Dave Chalk, Managing Director of Cimandis Ltd said: “The acquisition sees the perfect partnership between two like-­minded businesses. We have been working with Andrew Selley and the Bidvest team over the last few months and we’re delighted to be working alongside one of the world’s largest and advanced food service and logistics organisations.”

Andrew Selley, Chief Executive of Bidvest 3663 said: “We’re delighted to welcome the team and customers of Cimandis to the Bidvest Food Service family. Over the past couple of years the Cimandis management team have developed a thriving and profitable food service business within the Channel Islands.

“In line with our decentralised model, it is our intention to continue operating Cimandis as an autonomous and independent business, following the model we already successfully employ with our other recent regional acquisitions.

“We believe this partnership opens up new opportunities for both businesses, for Bidvest 3663 it allows us to extend our footprint into Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, while the Cimandis team and customers will benefit from the financial and strategic support of the wider Bidvest group."

The current management and staff of Cimandis will transfer over to Bidvest when the sale completes (subject to regulatory approval) in the next few weeks. There will be no redundancies associated with this transaction.