Walker Morris advises Endless on completion of Hovis Group merger
9th July 2026
Walker Morris has announced that it has successfully advised Endless LLP on the sale of Hovis Group to Associated British Foods plc (ABF), following completion of the transaction.
The deal brings together two of the UK’s best-known bakery businesses, Hovis and Allied Bakeries, which is owned by ABF and produces brands including Kingsmill – creating a stronger platform for long-term sustainability, innovation and growth in the UK bakery sector.
The firm has acted for Endless throughout the transaction, with a multi-disciplinary team led by Debbie Jackson, Partner and Head of Private Equity. The team played a key role in supporting Endless through the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s review of the transaction, which culminated in unconditional Phase 2 clearance from the CMA on 16 June 2026.
The transaction showcases Walker Morris’ strength in delivering complex M&A and regulatory mandates, particularly within the firm’s Retail & Consumer and Private Equity sectors and further reinforces its track record of advising investors and businesses on significant transactions in the UK market.
Delivery of the merger required a broad team of specialists, including:
- M&A: Debbie Jackson (Partner and Head of Private Equity), Matt Gale (Senior Associate) and Joel Davies
- Competition: Sarah Ward (Partner), Liz Turner (Director), Della Heptinstall (Associate) and Hamza Khan (Associate)
- Banking: Laura Lister (Partner)
- Employment: Andrew Rayment (Partner) and Alice Ruffell (Senior Associate)
- Tax: Nicola Parkinson (Partner) and Charlotte Anderson (Director)
- IP: Alan Harper (Partner) and Sarah Wlliams (Director)
- Commercial: James Crayton (Partner) and Fraser Halle-Smith (Associate)
- Real Estate: George Bacon (Partner) and Bethan Pollington (Associate)
Debbie Jackson commented: “We’re proud to have supported Endless on the successful completion of this landmark transaction. Hovis is one of the UK’s most recognised and respected consumer brands, and this deal represents an important milestone for the business, its employees, customers and stakeholders.
“This transaction required close collaboration across multiple legal disciplines and a significant merger control process. The whole team is pleased to have worked alongside Endless and Hovis throughout the journey, helping to achieve a successful outcome and supporting the next chapter for this iconic British brand.”
