Bon Bon’s sold to Lanchester Wines
Durham-based Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd, trading as Lanchester Wines, has acquired the hand-packed confectionery business Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd, in a deal advised by BCMS.
Bon Bon’s provides luxury confectionery for high-end independent retailers and visitor attractions and will become part of Lanchester Wines’ gifting division, Lanchester Gifts.
Lanchester Gifts supplies a variety of gift box formats to retail businesses including major high street chains and online stores. Bon Bon’s will continue to operate as a stand-alone business under the existing Bon Bon’s brand with its directors and founders Mark Rowntree and Peter Julian continuing to manage the team.
Deal commentary
At the time of the transaction in 2017, Rowntree said: “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 Wine Cellars Ltd, trading as Lanchester Wines, was established in 1980 by Tony and Veronica Cleary, and remains a privately owned family business.
Tony Cleary said: “We see the acquisition of Bon Bon’s as 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.”
