Hancocks Group Holdings Ltd has been acquired by H2 Equity Partners

November 2012 — Hancocks Group Holdings Ltd (Hancocks), the specialist confectionery wholesaler, announces its sale to a management buyout backed by H2 Equity Partners (H2), for US$78 million.

Hancocks was established in 1962 and it has 18 cash and carry depots across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Portsmouth with turnover of approximately US$165 million. Hancocks sells a substantial range of pick ‘n mix sweets under its own brand, Kingsway, in addition to its more contemporary children’s favourites and a wide range of other leading confectionery brands. Confectionery has proven to be a highly resilient sector, with consumer demand remaining strong during recent years in conjunction with the resurgence of traditional sweets.

H2 Equity Partners is an independent private equity firm founded in 1991, with offices in Amsterdam, Munich and London.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins Cavendish, based in the UK, advised the seller in this transaction. Following a competitive process, H2 was selected as preferred bidder, principally on the basis of its specialist knowledge of the wholesale sector and its approach to the Hancocks family shareholders. A debt and mezzanine financing package was provided by Investec Bank. The team assisted in preparing Hancocks for a private equity-backed management buyout, assisting them in the preparation of a detailed business plan and forecast models.