Gluten-free and milk-free biscuit manufacturer, Northumbrian Fine Foods (NFF) has been acquired by Biscuit International from CriSeren Foods.
As the producer of Prewett's range of branded products and the supplier of their own gluten and dairy-free biscuit brand, NFF had an annual turnover of £27 million (2017) and employs 225 people at their plant in Gateshead.
NFF's key focus is innovation and in the last year they have launched more than 100 new products into the retail sector.
The experience that NFF will bring will help drive growth in the European biscuit market and will enable Biscuit International to widen its offer to European clients, while significantly reinforcing its presence in the UK.
NFF senior management decided to invest in Biscuit International equity alongside the other Biscuit International senior managers.
Stewart McLelland, managing director of NFF, said: "This acquisition by Biscuit International is great news for NFF and provides the platform for us to expand into Europe where we see significant opportunities for developing the gluten-free biscuit sector."
James Murray, corporate finance partner at KPMG who worked alongside Rod Wilkinson, added: "This is a fantastic deal based on strong strategic rationale. Northumbrian Fine Foods is the UK's leading gluten free biscuit manufacturer and the acquisition by Biscuit International will allow it to further expand into Europe.
"It will also enable Biscuit International to access the fast growing free-from market and further develop its presence in the UK. We are delighted to have supported such a dynamic business like NFF in the next stage of its development."
Giampaolo Schiratti, Biscuit International chief executive, said: "The European free-from market is very dynamic and represents a real opportunity for growth. NFF's expertise in gluten and milk-free biscuit production was a major attraction to us and the business provides an excellent fit into our portfolio of companies."