In a significant multi-million-pound transaction, Wild Water Group, a leading temperature-controlled storage and distribution provider for the food and drink industry, has been acquired.
Headquartered in Cardiff and boasting an extensive network of cold storage facilities across South Wales and the West of England, the company is now under the ownership of the real estate investment firm, Delancey.
Founded by Ken Rattenbury in 2012, the business flourished under his guidance, growing to encompass eight cold storage facilities strategically located in Cardiff, Merthyr, Aberbargoed, Newport, Avonmouth, Plymouth, Southampton, and Taunton.
Additionally, the company expanded its services to include a division dedicated to the ambient, chilled, and frozen distribution of various products, ranging from meat and fish to pharmaceuticals and specialized packaging materials.
The growth of cold storage has become a critical component in the global supply chain, particularly for the food and pharmaceutical industries. As consumer demand for fresh, perishable goods and the need for effective vaccine and medication preservation have surged, so has the reliance on sophisticated cold storage solutions.
These facilities not only ensure the safe and efficient storage of goods across vast distances but also play a vital role in reducing food waste and maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive products. The expansion of cold storage capabilities reflects a broader trend towards more resilient and responsive supply chains, highlighting its importance in meeting both current and future logistical challenges.
Mr Rattenbury commented:
“We are delighted to have found a partner in Delancey with the experience and capability to support Wild Water’s business growth opportunities to become a UK leading temperature-controlled distribution operation. I and fellow employees look forward to assisting Delancey enhance our customer offering on this next phase of the group’s strategic expansion.”
The firms shareholders were advised by Cardiff-based Gambit Corporate Finance and Acuity Law.
Frank Holmes, partner at Gambit, Commented
“This is a unique Welsh business which has extended its geographic reach to service local and UK wide customers across a variety of sectors, with huge growth prospects. We wish Delancey, Ken and his team at Wild Water huge success on this journey.”
