Bunzl has expanded its portfolio by acquiring C&C Catering Equipment, a family-owned distributor specialising in catering equipment and kitchen design.

C&C Catering Equipment, based in Chester, has a long family history, having been founded in 1981 by John and Enid Kitchin. Since 1996, their son, Peter Kitchin, has led the company, growing it into a prominent distributor and kitchen design business within the catering sector.

With this acquisition, Bunzl now controls not only C&C Catering Equipment but also its subsidiaries, C&C Catering Engineers and C&C Catering Fabrications. All three divisions will be integrated under Aggora, another kitchen design company within Bunzl's portfolio.

C&C Catering Equipment Group reported a revenue of £25.6 million for the financial year ending April 30, 2024.

Peter Kitchin will remain as managing director of C&C Catering Equipment under Bunzl's ownership.

He said tha the “best thing for me, my family, the business and the people involved in it”, adding: “Having the backing of Bunzl is very important and also having Ross Emery and his team at Aggora will ensure everything runs smoothly.”

He underlined that it will be “business as usual”, saying: “We’ll keep doing what we’ve done for 43 years, delivering great foodservice facilities with the best consultants for the best clients.”

Ross Emery, MD of Aggora, said: “I am really excited for the next phase of strategic growth for C&C following the acquisition and extend a very warm welcome to all the C&C staff joining the Bunzl family.”

In early 2024, Bunzl expanded its presence in the catering sector by acquiring an 80% stake in catering equipment wholesaler Nisbets for £339 million.

Bunzl also owns distributor Lockhart Catering Equipment, while Nisbets’ owned businesses include kitchen design house Space Group, barware supplier Beaumont and Mitre Linen.

Bunzl reported a profit before interest, tax, and amortisation (PBITA) of £40.2 million for the financial year ending 31 December 2023.