The sale is the latest step in the expansion of the group’s operations across the UK, following on from the merger of its three regional trading divisions in Preston, Durham and Wimbledon, and the acquisition of Finlay’s Foods in Northern Ireland in 2024.
The purchase was agreed following a vote by BAKO Western’s members on 26 November 2025. The group is run by bakers for bakers, with approximately 700 shareholders, all of whom are bakers or confectioners.
While the two companies have shared a brand since an agreement made in the 1960s, they have traded independently up until now.
Following the acquisition, Bako Group will operate a multi-temperature fleet of over 100 vehicles, making deliveries to over 5,000 customers, through depots in Cullompton, Durham, Preston and Wimbledon, as well as Finlay’s Foods in Belfast, employing a total of 440 people across all five sites.
Bako Group CEO, Mike Tully, said the acquisition would combine the strengths of the two organisations to create an even stronger business.
“This acquisition is great news for BAKO’s customers across the UK and is a sign of our ongoing commitment to supporting the bakery industry, nationwide.
“Bringing the companies together provides substantial operational advantages, including optimised supply chains, increased buying power, shared resources, and enhanced production capabilities.
He added: “In an increasingly turbulent world, we are confident that the combined strength of this unification will help us in our mission to support future generations of bakers across the entire country to succeed and thrive together.”
Oghma Partners managed the deal on behalf of Bako Group.
Founded over 60 years ago, Bako Group provides independent bakers and caterers with a wide range of ingredients and finished products from quality suppliers, as well as its own branded range. The group serves over 6,500 customers across the bakery and wider foodservice sectors.
