One Equity Partners announced the acquisition of Kitwave Group plc, a UK-based wholesale distributor supplying food, beverages, and other consumables to foodservice and retail customers nationwide.
Founded in 1987, Kitwave operates across the UK food and drink wholesale market through three core segments: foodservice, supplying restaurants, bars, and leisure venues; frozen and chilled, distributing fresh and frozen products to retail customers; and ambient, providing packaged goods such as candy, soft drinks, chips, and tobacco to convenience stores and grocery chains. The company maintains a national footprint with 37 facilities and a fleet of approximately 650 delivery vehicles, fulfilling more than 6,500 orders per day.
The acquisition positions One Equity Partners to expand within the fragmented wholesale distribution sector, leveraging Kitwave’s established platform, supplier relationships, and operational scale. The firm highlighted Kitwave’s consistent acquisition track record and integration capabilities as a foundation for continued M&A-driven growth.
Kitwave’s leadership emphasized that the partnership will support ongoing investment in the business, enabling further development of its distribution platform and service capabilities across the UK. The transaction also underscores continued private equity interest in distribution businesses with strong logistics networks and recurring demand across food and retail channels.
KEY QUOTES:
“Kitwave’s operating model is centered on service reliability and local reach across the U.K., making it a compelling platform within the U.K. wholesale distribution market. The Company has built a strong track record of completing and integrating acquisitions in a highly fragmented sector, and we believe this experience provides a solid foundation for future M&A driven growth. We look forward to partnering with management as the Company enters its next phase of growth.”
Steve Lunau, Partner at One Equity Partners
“In the wholesale distribution sector, service reliability and local reach are critical to serving customers effectively. Kitwave’s national platform, diversified supplier base and experienced management team position the Company well to benefit from continued underlying demand in its end markets and to create long term value over the course of our partnership.”
Ori Birnboim, Partner at One Equity Partners
“We are pleased to partner with One Equity Partners. Their experience working alongside management teams in distribution led businesses, together with a shared approach to long term growth, makes them a perfect fit for Kitwave. We believe this partnership supports a clear plan to continue developing our platform, investing in our business, and building on the service we deliver to customers nationwide.”
Ben Maxted, Chief Executive Officer of Kitwave
