Eversheds Sutherland plays pivotal role in Greencore’s progression toward Bakkavor acquisition

Eversheds Sutherland has advised longstanding client Greencore Group plc on the disposal of its Bristol chilled soups and sauces manufacturing site to Compleat Food Group (“Soups and Sauces Disposal”).

The Soups and Sauces Disposal follows the announcement on 7 November 2025 from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that it has accepted in principle the sale of the Bristol site as the proposed remedy in lieu of a Phase 2 investigation in respect of Greencore’s recommended acquisition of Bakkavor Group plc.

The Eversheds Sutherland team was led by Partner Amanda Partland (Corporate) and included Principal Associate Thomas Plant, Senior Associates Gillian McKechnie and Zach O’Connor, Associate Mitchell Bosi, and Trainee Solicitor Simran Kandola (Corporate); Legal Director Claire Burns and Principal Associate Helen Conway (Real Estate); Principal Associate Freya Stuart and Senior Associate Andrew Black (Pensions); Partner Simon Rice-Birchall (Employment); Partner Colin Askew and Senior Associate Emily Gaffney (Tax); Partner Rachel Cooper and Senior Associate Katie Carter (Commercial); and Partner Claire Gregory (Environment, Health and Safety).

The Bristol site and its related business generated revenue of approximately £47m in the year ended 26 September 2025, representing around 1% of the revenues of the combined Greencore and Bakkavor group.

Amanda Partland, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“We are delighted to have supported Greencore on this strategically important disposal, which paved the way for the successful completion of its acquisition of Bakkavor. This transaction demonstrates our ability to deliver complex regulatory-driven deals efficiently and effectively.”

A spokesperson for Greencore, said:

“Eversheds Sutherland has been a trusted partner throughout this process, providing exceptional legal and strategic guidance on a complex transaction. Their knowledge and collaborative approach was key in helping us achieve this important milestone as we moved towards completing the Bakkavor acquisition.”