King UK has been acquired by Casper Limited, a company set up last year by three partners, including David Wallwork, former group purchasing director of Bunzl. King was purchased from Autobar Group Limited for an undisclosed amount.
Christoph Sander, chief executive of Casper, said: “King UK has a rich history and tradition. It has been recognised as the market leader in supplying the licensed trade, catering, hotel and leisure sectors for many years. The Casper management team is committed to building on this heritage and developing further the leading position in these markets by focusing on the delivery of outstanding customer service.”
Andrew Bristow, chief executive of Autobar. said: “The King UK activities have become non-core to our rapidly developing European vending business. It was important for us to choose a suitable home for the business, as it had been a part of our group for many years.
“We decided that a sale to Casper is in the best interests of King UK’s employees, customers and suppliers. I have personally known the founders and owners of Casper for many years and believe they are the most knowledgeable management team in the European non-food distribution industry. They have a most impressive track record and we are confident that King UK will be in excellent hands.”
King has 11 depots across the UK and a turnover of around £100m.
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- 27 November, 2008
FWD Annual Dinner & Gold Medal Awards
