IRISH crisp maker Tayto has bought an English vending machine company in a multi-million pound deal which gives them access to thousands of vending machines in England.
Freedom Refreshments, which turned over £16 million in 2016, is a Leeds-based business that employs 160 people.
Tayto’s move to buy the business was made through their sister company, the Montagu Group, and will give Tayto access to 7,000 vending machines across England.
It is the third business Tayto has bought in England this year, after it purchased a London snacks company and a Devon popcorn business last year.
Paul Allen, chief executive of the Montagu Group, said: “While we have a strong share of the vending market in Northern Ireland, we only had limited reach into Great Britain and this deal will enable us to increase our presence significantly within this sector.
“There are several synergies between Tayto Group and Freedom Refreshments and this acquisition will help us to bring our products to a wider audience.
“Freedom Refreshments turns over around £16million per annum and is an established provider of hot and cold drinks and snacks across many sectors, including healthcare, workplace, education and retail.”
Tayto's vending machines will not just serve crisps. Other products owned by the company, from soft drinks to popcorn, will also be available.
