May 16, 2018

Snack manufacturer Tayto Group’s sister company Montagu Group has acquired another vending machine firm, in a multi-million pound deal that will see Tayto’s products feature in 5,300 more vending machines in the south-west and south Wales. Montagu Group acquired West Country Vending Service, and its subsidiary firm Hilton Vending, it confirmed on June 30. The deal followed Montagu’s takeover of Freedom Refreshments in April. Stocking more vending machines across the UK with Tayto products has increased the group’s turnover substantially, said Montagu chief executive Paul Allen. “West Country is a long-established, route-based business with robust strongholds in the areas in which it operates. It is both disciplined and highly customer-focused with a family-oriented ethos similar to the Tayto Group.​ ‘Making large strides’​ “Although we are still in the very early days of our expansion into the British vending sector, we are making large strides, building our profile and presence rapidly. Through our acquisitions of Freedom Refreshments and West Country Vending Service, we have acquired more than 12,500 vending machines in the space of a year.”​ Tayto Group planned to acquire more vending machine firms, it said. It was continuing its strategic development that would help bring its products to a wider audience, it added. Montagu Group vending director Mark Stone said: “We are aiming for further growth within this sector as we continue to roll out our development plan, which opens up new distribution channels for Tayto Group products, alongside the extensive range of hot and cold drinks and confectionery that our machines carry.”​ ‘Aiming for future growth’​ West Country Vending Services has an annual turnover of £11M, and sells vending machines to a range of clients. It has clients across a number of sectors, including in business, industry and leisure. The firm’s md Dylan Jones said: “West Country Vending is delighted to be joining the Montagu family. ​ “We have been proudly serving our region now for 50 years, and all of us welcome the opportunity to take the next step in our development and to be part of a dynamic, fast-growing and customer-driven group.”​ The acquisition came after Montagu Group bought Freedom Refreshments in April ​ in another multi-million pound deal. The takeover meant Tayto gained access to almost 7,000 vending machines across England. Tayto vending machine firm acquisitions West Country Vending Services