RSM advises on sale of Charles Saunders to Kitwave

Charles Saunders Foodservice has joined Kitwave Wholesale Group, as it looks to expand across the UK. The deal was advised upon by professionals from RSM.

Darren Gaulton, executive director of Charles Saunders, commented, “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.

Launched five decades 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.

According to Gaulton, the move aligns with Charles Saunders’ priority of long-term sustainable growth. This partnership gives the company “an excellent platform to continue to build, invest further” in its people, while delivering the services its customers expect. There will be no changes to Charles Saunders’ depot, operations, sales or head office teams. The existing leadership team remains firmly in place, with Gaulton staying as executive director, and being joined by Kim Carwardine as managing director.

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.

By joining Kitwave, Charles Saunders accesses a nation-wide presence in the foodservice market. It will become part of Kitwave’s foodservice division alongside Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice, WestCountry Food Holdings and Fife Creamery.

RSM advised Charles Saunders throughout the sale process, led by Clodagh Tunney and supported by Mark Colling, Christopher Buckland, Will Jervis and Tom Blakesley.

Tunney, a UK deal services partner at RSM, concluded, “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.”