Barings buys UK baker David Wood after receivership
What's the deal? BaringsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has completed a buyout of David Wood Baking UKDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the Leeds-headquartered food manufacturer, in partnership with managing director Karen Wood. The deal value was undisclosed.
Who's involved? David Wood Baking employs more than 1,500 people across seven UK sites, producing bread, savoury products, and ready meals for some of the country's largest retailers. Barings is an alternative investment management firm.
Why now? The transaction follows the appointment of Anthony Johnson-Magee and Kristina Kicks of InterpathDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → as joint receivers over the shares of David Wood Baking UK Ltd on 2 April 2026. The receivers are expected to be discharged shortly after completion.
What changes? Wood, who has led the business since autumn 2025, will continue in the role alongside chief financial officer Bruce Korican and operations director Aaron Corbett. The company is set to undergo a brand refresh under new ownership.
What's the endgame? Barings has acquired the group as part of a long-term partnership aimed at supporting growth, with Barings and LeumiUKDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → continuing as lenders.
"Like the rest of the industry, we've had to navigate inflation and a fragile trading environment, so we're proud to have supportive partners in Barings and LeumiUK with us as we build a more resilient business for the future," Wood said.
Abhi Bothra, senior director, capital solutions at Barings, said the company is "a well-established operator in the UK food manufacturing sector, supported by longstanding customer relationships, a resilient business model and a reputation for quality."
The signal: The deal shows investors stepping in to stabilise UK food manufacturers squeezed by inflation and fragile trading, turning distress into a platform for growth.
Read more: thegrocer.co.uk
