Greg Young, Founding Partner of Three Sixty Capital Partners led the buy-side advisory for Harry Hart on the Hansells transaction. 

27 June, 2018 by FMCG Business

Walter & Wild, a newly formed New Zealand company has announced three separate deals, bringing together a suite of iconic New Zealand brands under the one umbrella.

“The bringing together of Hubbards, Hansells and Gregg’s Sauces under Walter & Wild combines some of New Zealand’s best-known food brands into a food manufacturing powerhouse,” said Harry Hart, owner of Walter & Wild.

“The breadth of expertise, manufacturing capability combined with an understanding of markets, both here and offshore will drive further growth and innovation. We now have a significant brand portfolio reaching consumers from breakfast to dessert,” said Hart.

Leading brands in the portfolio include Alfa One, Aunt Betty’s, Hansells, Vitafresh, Vitasport and Coconut Collaborative; Hubbards’ mueslis and cereals; and Greggs table sauces.

The acquisition of Hansells Food Group now brings the range of Hansells’ brands back to full New Zealand ownership.

The company has also purchased the licenses for the supply of Gregg’s tomato, barbeque and steak sauces, and ketchup, as well as the F. Whitlock & Sons Worcestershire sauce in New Zealand, as part of a required divestment undertaking from Heinz Wattie’s.

Hubbards founder Dick Hubbard said: “After making the equivalent of 3 billion bowls of mueslis and cereals over 30 years, it is time to hand over the reins to a younger generation. In selecting a buyer, it was important that Hubbards remained in New Zealand ownership.  I’m very pleased to have achieved that goal”.

“Harry and his team have the energy and enthusiasm to take Hubbards forward. I am really proud of what Diana and I have achieved. The company is in excellent shape with a strong management team, and the brand is a clear market leader in muesli. We had a lot of fun along the way, and I want to thank New Zealand for the opportunity to serve,” said Hubbard.

Hart and his team will build on the brands’ heritage and successes and significantly invest in their future.

 “These organisations have a bright future together. The immediate focus will be on bringing the business together, and moving forward, we will be making the most of the strong potential we see for these brands both in New Zealand and offshore,” said Hart.

Walter & Wild Limited (formerly HFG Group Limited) is a private company, owned by New Zealand investor Harry Hart. It will be a significant force in New Zealand’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, with a combined portfolio of more than 500 products.

For more information, please contact: Greg Young, at greg.young@360capital.co.nz, +64 21 775 388