In a landmark deal for the UK's food manufacturing sector, Greencore has officially completed its £1.2 billion takeover of rival firm Bakkavor. The move, which received final court approval on Thursday, 15 January 2026, creates a colossal new force in the convenience food market.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
The completion follows months of scrutiny from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The regulator had raised concerns that the merger could lead to a "substantial lessening of competition" in the supply of chilled sauces to supermarkets, potentially driving up prices for consumers.
To address these concerns, Ireland-based Greencore agreed to divest its sole chilled soup and sauces production facility, located in Bristol. The buyer, Compleat Food Group, confirmed earlier this week that it had finalised the acquisition of the plant, clearing the final obstacle for the main deal.
A New Convenience Food Champion
Structured as a reverse takeover, the union of Greencore and Bakkavor forms a combined group with estimated annual sales of around £4 billion. The new entity will be a dominant supplier of 'food-to-go' and meal solutions to many of the UK's leading supermarket chains and retailers.
Dalton Philips, Chief Executive of Greencore, stated that integration plans have been in development for several months. He heralded the deal as a pivotal moment, particularly in the company's centenary year.
"We are proud today to bring together two great companies to create a UK national convenience food champion," Philips said. "With a comprehensive convenience food portfolio across 'food for now' and 'food for later' we're really excited by the prospects for our business, and all we can offer our customers and colleagues."
Strategic Implications and Market Future
The merger, first agreed in principle in May 2025, significantly consolidates the prepared food market. It positions the enlarged Greencore group to leverage combined expertise, supply chains, and customer relationships in an increasingly competitive sector.
Industry analysts will now watch closely to see how the integration unfolds and whether the newly formed giant can deliver on its promise of innovation and value in the chilled and convenience food aisles of Britain's shops.
