Walker Morris advises on the sale of Eight Fifty Food Group

1st April 2021

Specialist lawyers at Walker Morris have advised management on the sale of Eight Fifty Food Group (Eight Fifty) to Canadian multi-protein producer, Sofina Foods Inc for an undisclosed consideration.

Eight Fifty is a leading multi-protein specialist that was created following the acquisition of Young’s Seafood by Karro Food Group, a UK pork processor, in 2019. The sale brings an end to the three year involvement by international private equity firm CapVest Partners LLP, who acquired Karro Food Group in 2017 following an Endless backed transformation.

Eight Fifty employs around 8,300 people, across 23 manufacturing sites and will complement Sofina Food’s North American platform, with Eight Fifty CEO Di Walker continuing to lead the business under the new ownership.

The transaction is subject to approval from regulatory authorities.

The Walker Morris Team was led by Debbie Jackson with support from Kayleigh Watson, Richard Naish and Luke Riley.

Di Walker, CEO of Eight Fifty, said:

“We began this journey as a UK-only pork supplier doing less than £500m in sales and after several years of transformational organic and acquisitive progress are now the European multi-protein specialist with over £2bn in sales.

“This transaction and the interest in Eight Fifty is a great reflection on the quality of the business and testament to the work that CapVest and our entire management team have completed.

“We’re very excited to join Sofina Foods to deliver on their ambitious future growth plans.”

Debbie Jackson, added:

“Having worked with Eight Fifty for a number of years we have built up a successful working partnership and good understanding of their business. So it is particularly pleasing to work with the team on this latest transaction. It follows a busy year having advised the Eight Fifty team on acquisition of M&M Walshe Holdings Limited acquisition of Carroll’s Cuisine.”