Nisbets to target expansion in Europe and Australia

CATERING equipment giant Nisbets has signalled its intention to continue its recent growth with further expansion in international markets.

The firm, which is based in Bristol and is one of the largest suppliers to commercial kitchens across Europe, has already completed three acquisitions this year.

Deals for fellow catering equipment and furniture rental firm Jongor Hire, barware supplier Beaumont and Cornish engineering services business UK Engineers were all secured in 2022, following a fiveyear break in transactions for Nisbets.

The company has now appointed mergers and acquisitions group Clairfield to help it identify more potential additions to the group in France and Australia.

Chairman Peter Sephton said: “Nisbets’ primary growth engine is organic, driven by a well-developed ecommerce capability, our extensive own brand offer and rapid new product introduction. In addition, we have demonstrated success with past and recent acquisitions and see this as a growth accelerator in existing and new geographies, as well as some adjacent hospitality spaces.

“Clairfield will help us identify targets in selected regions in Europe and Australia with strong local presence and historic relationship with business-to-business customers that will benefit from being part of the Nisbets group.”

Christian de Charentenay, managing partner of Clairfield, will lead the process. Cross-border specialist Clairfield advises on transactions of up to €500m (£428m).

Nisbets stocks more than 35,000 products online, by phone and through a network of 28 physical retail stores.

Headquartered in Avonmouth and chaired by founder Andrew Nisbet, the firm employs more than 2,000 people worldwide and has offices in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Australia.