Fox's in early stage talks to sell business

Fox’s Biscuits, which is based in Batley, West Yorkshire, is in early stage talks with Burton’s, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Fox’s is owned by 2 Sisters Food Group, which also owns the Goodfella’s Pizza brand.

The Yorkshire-based company dates back to 1853 and has made around 1,450 billion biscuits since it began, according to 2 Sisters’ website.

The sale is being advised by Rothschild and could value the company at around £340m, is has been said. The talks are said to be at an early stage and no deal is certain. Burton’s, which makes Maryland cookies, Wagon Wheels and Jammie Dodgers, is about as old as Fox’s and has long been rumoured as a suitor for the Party Rings manufacturer, especially after losing out to Turkish food group Yildiz Holding, owner of Ulker Biskuvi, for United Biscuits. That business was sold by Blackstone and PAI for more than £2bn in 2014. Snacks businesses have long been favoured by private equity.

Ontario Teachers bought Burton’s Biscuit Company in 2013 and has been exploring ways to grow the business, organically and through acquisitions.

Ontario Teachers, 2 Sisters and Rothschild declined to comment.