Sun Valley

Given that the business had not prepared for a sales process, HURST Corporate Finance were parachuted in to support the business, management and shareholders with achieving an acceptable and optimum “off market” value and deal structure.

There was an extensive and multifaceted due diligence process with a number of heavily resourced global financial, tax and commercial diligence providers which was managed and led sell-side by the HURST team.

The second deal within the food sector for HURST that year, Ben Bradley’s extensive industry knowledge played a crucial role during a prolonged period of negotiations, a deal completed within 12 months of the direct approach which exceeded all shareholder aspirations.

Sun Valley, based in Bromborough, Wirral, was founded in 1949 and was owned by the Hacking family.

It is a supplier of high-quality peanut and nut-based snacking products through the private label, food service and food ingredients channels.

The company supplies nuts, peanut butters and crisps under its own ‘The Sun Valley Nut Co’ and ‘Nuts For’ brands, which complements the capabilities and expertise within the existing Zertus Snacking and Chocolate Market Unit.

The acquisition positions Zertus at the forefront of the snacking and confectionery industry, by building on its already substantial portfolio of customer branded ranges for the UK’s leading retailers.

The acquisition complements its successful brand portfolio which includes NOMO, the UK’s number one free-from chocolate brand, Baileys Chocolates, children’s snacking brand The Fruit Factory, Forest of Hope, the recently-launched kids fair trade chocolate brand, Kinnerton Confectionery and Lir Chocolates.