RSM UK advises on sale of Charles Saunders to Kitwave
RSM UK has advised Charles Saunders Foodservice (Charles Saunders) on its sale to Kitwave Wholesale Group (Kitwave), as it targets further growth.
Established over 50 years ago, Charles Saunders is one of the largest and leading privately owned foodservice companies in the South West. The company stocks over 8,000 product lines, including fresh butchery, seafood, chilled and frozen foods, and fresh produce.
Founded in 1987, Kitwave is a leading delivered wholesale business, serving the retail, wholesale and foodservice markets across the UK. It supplies ambient and frozen goods to over 46,000 customers, with 38 depots throughout the UK.
The acquisition bolsters the combined entity’s presence in the foodservice market, offering a strong foundation for continued expansion. Charles Saunders will join Kitwave's foodservice division alongside Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice, WestCountry Food Holdings and Fife Creamery.
There will be no changes to Charles Saunders’ depot, operations, sales or head office teams. The existing leadership team remains firmly in place, with Darren Gaulton appointed as Executive Director and Kim Carwardine as Managing Director.
RSM advised Charles Saunders throughout the sale process, led by Clodagh Tunney and supported by Mark Colling, Christopher Buckland, Will Jervis and Tom Blakesley.
Clodagh Tunney, Deal Services Partner at RSM UK, said: “We’re delighted to have advised Charles Saunders on its successful sale to Kitwave. As market leaders, their shared expertise will put them in a strong position to achieve their ambitious future growth plans and continue servicing the foodservice markets both locally and nationally. It’s an exciting time for both entities and we look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve together.”
Darren Gaulton, Executive Director of Charles Saunders, added: “Charles Saunders has built a strong reputation over many years by putting customers first, investing in our people and delivering the high levels of service we're known for.
“The business has enjoyed significant growth over recent years while remaining true to the values that have made Charles Saunders what it is today. Becoming part of Kitwave represents the next stage in that journey.
“Our priority has always been to ensure the business is well placed for long-term sustainable growth. This partnership gives us an excellent platform to continue to build, invest further in our people and continue delivering the exceptional service our customers expect.”