Premier Foods

Premier Foods' story is one of strategic evolution and brand acquisition, a journey that has cemented its position as one of the United Kingdom's largest food producers. The company's origins trace back to 1975 with the founding of Hillsdown Holdings by the entrepreneurial duo Harry Solomon and David Thompson. This initial enterprise laid the groundwork for what would become a powerhouse in the British food industry. A key turning point came in 1990 with the acquisition of Premier Brands from Cadbury Schweppes, a move that brought iconic names like Typhoo tea and Cadbury's drinks into its portfolio and signaled a new era of growth. The late 1990s saw a shift in ownership as the private equity firm Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst acquired the company, setting the stage for a series of significant acquisitions that would define its future.

The new millennium ushered in a period of aggressive expansion. In 2002, Premier Foods acquired Nestlé's ambient foods business, further diversifying its offerings. A pivotal moment arrived in 2004 when the company went public, listing on the London Stock Exchange. This was swiftly followed by the acquisition of the beloved Ambrosia brand from Unilever. The momentum continued into 2005 with the purchase of Kraft Foods' ambient desserts businesses, including household favorites Bird's Custard and Angel Delight. The company's strategic acquisitions didn't stop there; in 2006, it acquired the UK and Ireland businesses of Campbell's, adding iconic brands like Oxo, Batchelors, and Homepride to its stable. This relentless pursuit of growth culminated in the landmark 2007 takeover of rival Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM) for £1.2 billion, a move that solidified its market leadership and brought even more cherished brands under its umbrella. This long and storied history of strategic acquisitions has transformed Premier Foods from its humble beginnings into a dominant force in the UK food landscape, with its products gracing the cupboards of millions of households.