Press Release – 21st August 2018
Issued on behalf of Hatch Brothers and McErlain’s Bakery
Genesis Crafty Bakery Sold to Local Businessman
McErlain’s Bakery, in Magherafelt has been sold to local businessman, Paul Allen. The bakery, which employs more than 250 people, produces the Genesis Crafty range as well as private label cakes and breads for stores such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Tesco.
McErlain’s Bakery had experienced trading difficulties in the past year, which resulted in Andrew Dolliver and Luke Charleton of EY being appointed as administrators to the company earlier today. The administrators worked with the business to identify a buyer in advance of this process, with the sale concluding shortly after their appointment. The business continued to trade as normal throughout the administration process, with the 260 plus jobs being saved.
Paul Allen is best known locally as the CEO of Tayto Group, a role which he will continue to hold. He commented: “This is a private investment by me and my family. The McErlain family have built a great business, with excellent products which have national markets. I’m hoping that in my non-executive role with the company, I will be able to use my experience in the industry to help guide the growth of both the Genesis Crafty brand and the overall business.”
“I’m delighted that the jobs at the factory have been secured and that Brian McErlain will be staying on as MD. I see this as a very sound business with great potential. We have been working closely with Danske Bank and John McMahon’s legal team at Keystone Law and their support and expertise has been invaluable. I’m now looking forward to seeing the company return to substantial, managed, successful growth and further investment in the future.”
Commenting on the move, MD Brian McErlain, said: “This is obviously a time of mixed emotions; sadness that it is now a different family who own the business but hope for the future and the growth of the Genesis Crafty brand. Paul Allen’s ability is very well respected in the business community, not just in Northern Ireland but further afield and I believe that his involvement will be a real benefit to the company. I’d like to pay tribute to all our staff, customers and suppliers, who have been through some difficult times with us and whose support we have really appreciated.”
Commenting on the sale, Andrew Dolliver of EY, said: “Our priority to McErlain’s was to achieve a better result for the company’s creditors as a whole and to identify a buyer who would bring the business back to a position of stability where it could continue to trade, and importantly, where its employees were protected. We have worked closely with stakeholders in recent weeks to navigate a complex transaction and are pleased that McErlain’s is now set up for a very positive future through the knowledge and experience which Paul Allen will bring to the fore.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. For further details please contact Gwynneth Cockcroft, dcp strategic communication, gwynneth@dcppr.co.uk, Tel: 028 9037 0137 or 07785 793671
2. McErlain’s bakery was founded in 1968.
HELLO
Welcome to Genesis Crafty – the place where we make, bake, shape, flip, roll, knead, stretch and generally craft delicious things by hand, every day.
Because they taste better that way.
We know you care about these things too. You value the effort, the skill, the passion that goes in because of the reward that comes out – as a perfect pancake or superior scone.
