Skip to content Skip to footer
Enquiries Call 0345 209 1000

Clarke Willmott have advised on the sale of food manufacturer Proper Cornish to a private equity-backed French group.

Bodmin-based Proper Cornish, which produces frozen, savoury pastry products, in particular pasties, has been acquired by Boncolac Group, for an undisclosed sum.

The French company, which produces frozen sweet and savoury baked products, is backed by Waterland Private Equity Investments.

Kelvin Balmont, partner and head of the corporate team at Clarke Willmott in Southampton, provided legal advice to Proper Cornish, assisted by associate Hollie Blackwood Fisher.

Proper Cornish, which operates a 58,000 sq ft bakery in Bodmin, says the deal will enable it to access new markets in Europe.

Managing director Chris Pauling said: “Since 1988 we’ve worked hard to build Proper Cornish to where it is today, and we just know there is so much more potential. As a founding member of Proper Cornish, I was extremely keen to ensure we found the right partner to take the company to the next level, and I’m confident that Groupe Boncolac is that partner.”

Last year Boncolac became a fully independent group, with an ambition of building a pan-European leader of frozen snacks and desserts.

Chris Pauling, Managing Director of Proper Cornish said “We were very pleased with Clarke Willmott who provided a very proficient and smooth legal process throughout getting a complex transaction completed with the minimum of fuss.”

To speak to a member of our corporate team please request a consultation.

Posted:

Your key contacts

Kelvin Balmont

Chairman & Partner

Southampton

Kelvin provides practical, commercial advice to enable his clients to get their transactions over the line quickly and efficiently Kelvin heads up the Corporate/Commercial and Banking Team in Southampton. Described by Chambers as ‘Highly responsive’ Kelvin advises companies and individuals on all types of corporate and finance transactions including mergers, acquisitions, disposals, investments, finance and… “Kelvin Balmont – Chairman & Partner”

View profile for Kelvin Balmont >

Hollie Blackwood Fisher

Senior Associate

Southampton

Hollie advises on a wide range of transactions including share and asset acquisitions and disposals; shareholder agreements and articles of association; corporate borrowing and security; and reorganisations. Hollie is a Senior Associate in the corporate team specialising in a wide range of corporate matters. Hollie joined the firm in 2015 as a commercial property paralegal. How… “Hollie Blackwood Fisher”

View profile for Hollie Blackwood Fisher >

Looking for legal advice?