Fresh Direct has formed a joint venture with M&J Seafood, Pauleys and Wild Harvest, the fresh produce businesses of Brakes Group. Duff & Phelps advised the shareholders of Fresh Direct:

• on a review of their options;
• the appropriate process to find the right long-term partner;
• and coordination, negotiation and structuring of this complex process and transaction, including both the sale of their business to a new company as well as the simultaneous acquisition of the fresh businesses from Brakes.

The new company will be one of the leading specialty suppliers to the UK food service industry, an “all in one” fresh food destination for chefs and caterers for their fresh produce, fish & seafood, meat and gourmet requirements.

About Fresh Direct

With over £200m in revenue, Fresh Direct is the leading specialty wholesale supplier of fresh produce to the UK food service market. The business was founded in 1966 and has remained in the ownership of the Harris family since.

About Brakes Group

Acquired by Bain Capital in 2007, Brakes Group is a leading supplier to the food service sector in the UK, Ireland, France and Sweden, employing over 10,000 people and with sales over £3 billion. Its UK business includes both a broadline business as well as specialty suppliers.

About Bain Capital

Bain Capital is one of the largest private investment groups in the world with an investment portfolio of over $80 billion. Having owned Brakes since 2007, Bain is actively involved in Brakes’ strategy and was a significant participant in the transaction.