Yeo Valley Production acquires The Collective Brand in major UK dairy deal

UK – Yeo Valley Production, a leading British dairy company, has acquired the UK branch of The Collective brand in a significant deal facilitated by Kent-based law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore. 

The acquisition unites Yeo Valley’s robust manufacturing expertise with The Collective’s reputation for innovative and premium yoghurt products, promising to enhance offerings for consumers across the UK.

The sale was overseen by Thomson Snell & Passmore, which advised private equity-backed Epicurean Dairy Holdings on transferring Epicurean Dairy (UK) and The Collective brand to Yeo Valley Production. 

The move strengthens Yeo Valley’s position in the dairy market, a company that has been independently owned by the Mead family and its employees through an Employee Benefit Trust since 1976. 

With over 1,700 staff across five sites in Somerset and Devon, Yeo Valley Production is well-equipped to expand The Collective’s reach.

The Collective, originally founded in New Zealand, entered the UK market in 2011 and quickly gained recognition for its high-quality yoghurt.

 According to a statement from the company, this partnership aligns with both brands’ commitment to natural, sustainable, and great-tasting food.

 Sarah Smart, chief executive at The Collective UK, said, “Yeo Valley Production is a long-time partner of The Collective and has played a key role in the brand’s success over the years.”

“The alignment of our businesses’ values and visions makes Yeo Valley the perfect home for the next stage of The Collective’s growth.”

Rob Sexton, chief executive at Yeo Valley Production Limited, also welcomed the deal. 

“We are delighted to welcome The Collective into the Yeo Valley family,” he said. 

“The brand’s reputation for market-leading taste and its commitment to sustainability make it a perfect fit. Together, we will drive growth and continue to deliver great-tasting dairy to British consumers.”

A report by Thomson Snell & Passmore highlighted the complexity of the transaction, which spanned multiple markets and time zones. 

Faye Cook, the firm’s corporate/M&A partner, led the deal, supported by a team of specialists in tax, pensions, employment, and commercial law. 

Cook noted that the successful outcome showcased the firm’s expertise in handling cross-border, private equity-backed deals. 

The acquisition is expected to pave the way for increased innovation and availability of premium dairy products in the UK, blending the strengths of both companies to meet growing consumer demand.