HMS acquires Tom Walker & Sons in UK

HMS, the independently owned parent company of food ingredient distributors Kent Foods, BFP, Henley Bridge Ingredients, Garrett Ingredients and Bailey’s of Portsmouth, has acquired Tom Walker & Sons. Founded in 1982, Tom Walker & Sons sources, cuts and packs cheese, handling a wide range of varieties (soft ripened, hard pressed and dairy-free alternatives) with the capabilities to transform these into diverse formats (including blocks, wedges, nets, variety packs and seasonal gifts).

Tom Walker & Sons will continue to operate as a stand-alone business from its factory and offices on the outskirts of Stockton-on-Tees in the UK. The business will be headed up by Russell Eley, who will take over from the current managing director, Peter Walker, who along with the finance director, Pauline Chapman, is retiring. Most recently Eley was head of commercial for UK Retail at Norseland and prior to this he has held a variety of senior roles at places such as Samworth Brothers and the Parkam Food Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Iain Dalglish, chairman of HMS, said: “Tom Walker & Sons has an outstanding reputation and I’m delighted to welcome them into the HMS family.  It will remain an independent business with Russell and his management team given the freedom needed to take it from strength-to-strength. Furthermore, as we’re not a cheese producer, Tom Walker & Sons will not be tied in any way and remains free to continue sourcing the best varieties from across the globe. I know that Russell has exciting plans for the future – various initiatives that will build an even better customer experience and stronger platform for partnerships. HMS is looking forward to supporting these with our considerable resources.”