Blueheath is still operating as a Key Lekkerland member despite becoming part of Booker Group as a result of a surprise deal with the cash and carry group.
On June 1 shareholders in Blueheath voted in favour of the deal which technically meant Blueheath took over Booker, but which resulted in it becoming the delivered wholesale arm of the bigger company.
The deal meant Booker was once again listed on the Stock Exchange on the back of Blueheath's membership. It also meant that Charles Wilson became chief executive of the enlarged company with Blueheath boss Mark Aylwin becoming managing director of its delivered wholesale business.
Despite this, John Liptrot, managing director of Key Lekkerland, said the two Blueheath depots at Wrexham and Thurrock were still Key Lekkerland group members and were supplying the group's customers and national accounts as normal.
Regarding the meeting that took place between Key Lekkerland and Booker last month, Liptrot said: "Discussions have been amicable. We have had talks on how to work together to best go forward."
He said no further meetings were planned but he met regularly with Aylwin, who remained a board member of the Key Lekkerland.
Will Government proposals to ban the display of tobacco in retail premises damage the wholesale sector?
- 27 November, 2008
FWD Annual Dinner & Gold Medal Awards
