Based in Kingswingford, West Midlands, the supplier provides catering products and equipment to schools, pubs, and restaurants. Established in 1973, the business has grown by 75% over the last four years, employs 57 people and has a current turnover of £8mm.

Francis Catering is partnered with a sister company, {name unknown} which fabricates stainless steel units and worktop surfaces. MBO funding was however only provided for Francis Catering. The MBO team is led by Neil Humphreys, although vendor Keith Webb will remain in the business part-time for the next three years.

Neil Humphreys, Managing Director, said: “Francis Catering has been growing, as a business, from strength to strength, with a strong emphasis on client service which is now at impressive levels. The funding package Business Finance provided enabled the management team to complete the MBO with great efficiency, and the aim now is to drive the business forward to achieve our goals for growth and development.

Commenting on the deal, Simon Wells, Director at Business Finance commented: “Business Finance is delighted to have enabled the swift execution of this deal.  Francis Catering is a well-known business that has plenty of potential for further growth, now that it has a sound financial footing to continue its development.”