‘This marks an important milestone in the history of Dee Bee Wholesale and an exciting new chapter for the business’
Dee Bee Wholesale has been snapped up by new owners. The firm has two sites, in Grimsby and Hull.(Image: Google Earth)
A family firm which has been trading for more than 65 years across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire has been snapped up by a national rival. Independent wholesaler DB Ramsden & Co – which trades as Dee Bee Wholesale – has grown to serve more than 1,400 retail and on-trade customers from its bases in Grimsbyand Hull.
The company, which has 87 staff across the two depots, was founded in 1961 as part of the Ramsden Group and has long been a pillar in the wholesale distribution industry. In early trading years it focused on non-food items but has evolved into a leading supplier of groceries and drinks, helping businesses adapt to changing market demands and customer needs.
Now Dee Bee Wholesale, which turned over £59.4m in most recent filed accounts, been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Bestway, owners of operates of well known names including Costcutter, best-one, BB foodservice and Bestway Wholesale. The London business was launched in 1976 and has expanded to become the UK’s largest independent food and drink wholesaler with 57 depots.
It forms part of the industrial giant Bestway Group which also has global business interests in banking, cement, pharmacy, milling and property investment.
Managing director Nick Ramsden told customers: “This marks an important milestone in the history of Dee Bee Wholesale and an exciting new chapter for the business. For more than 65 years, Dee Bee Wholesale has been committed to supporting customers across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, building strong relationships and helping independent retailers, convenience stores and on-trade operators succeed.
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“I am incredibly proud of the business we have built together and the trust our customers have placed in us over many years. Importantly, it is very much business as usual. Our depot operations, customer contacts and service teams remain in place and customers should continue trading with us in exactly the same way as they do today.
“We believe becoming part of Bestway Wholesale creates significant opportunities for the future. Bestway is one of the UK’s leading wholesalers with a strong track record of supporting independent retailers and customers. Over time, customers will benefit from Bestway’s scale, competitive pricing, market-leading promotions and extensive product range.
“I am pleased to confirm that I will remain with the business supporting continuity for customers, colleague and suppliers and helping to ensure a smooth integration.”
Bestway Wholesale said the acquisition of Dee Bee Wholesale, which was first established in 1961, forms part of its continued strategic growth plans and further strengthens its regional footprint.
Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dee Bee Wholesale – a long-established family business with more than 65 years of customer service heritage, loyal customer base and detailed regional knowledge across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire – into the Bestway Wholesale network.”
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