Cork-based food wholesale business M&P O’Sullivan Ltd. (M&P) has acquired Biggs Catering Company in Bantry, as the company gets ready to celebrate 120 years.
Biggs Catering Company is a well-established name in the hospitality industry in West Cork. The undisclosed deal merges the fourth generation family business of M&P with one of West Cork's oldest companies, expanding its wholesale catering supplies portfolio significantly.
"Biggs is a fantastic company with a strong reputation in West Cork," said Eoin and Patrick O’Sullivan, directors of M&P O’Sullivan Ltd. "By combining Biggs’ local expertise with M&P O’Sullivan’s extensive resources and commitment to innovation, we are confident in the bright future ahead."
M&P's holdings currently include the Irish Homestead, White Hat, Red Abbey, and Brennan’s Caterworld ranges. Additionally, M&P operates the Gala retail and Your Stop franchises and now owns two of its own Gala stores, with plans for further acquisitions.
With this strategic investment and the addition of key new hires, the company expects to grow by an additional 15% over the next year, increasing sales to over €54 million.
This acquisition is a major milestone in M&P’s long-term growth strategy, as they aim to expand turnover to €75 million by 2028.
The company has already seen significant progress, with turnover rising from €22 million in 2017 to €47 million in 2024. Additionally, the acquisition strengthens M&P’s presence in the foodservice sector and further solidifies its position in the West Cork region, where it already has a strong market foothold.
Employees of Biggs will retain their jobs as part of the acquisition.
“The hospitality industry’s recovery is something we remain cautiously optimistic about, particularly in the quick-serve and takeaway restaurant sectors," said Eoin and Patrick O’Sullivan.
"We are hopeful that the return of the lower VAT rate, as promised in the Programme for Government, will support growth in this area.”
