‘Feeding time’: Why one retail group is on the hunt for distressed operators

Assortment of fine chocolate candies, white, dark, and milk chocolate Sweets background Copy space Top view

A business group which rescued upmarket chocolatier Montezuma from collapse has said it is looking to continue on its acquisition spree – noting that the current tough trading climate is “feeding time” for stronger players in the market.

“In recent years, there have been so many distressed businesses that we have been able to pick the ones that fit in with the profile of the group. It is kind of feeding time,” Paul Taylor, chairman of Paramount Retail told The Times.

The business, which is owned by brothers Ravi and Sunny Sharma, bought Montezuma for around £1m after it filed for administration a few weeks ago.

Montezuma, which trades in the likes of Waitrose and John Lewis, was said to be struggling after it was hit with high operational costs.

As part of the deal, owners , Helen and Simon Pattinson will continue to head the business.

It is not the company’s first foray into the world of confectionery with Paramount Retail acquiring Bristows of Devon in 2017 and Crawford & Tilley in 2018 – they since have brought the two together, to be known as the Great British Confectionery Group.

Paramount also bought a number of pet accessories businesses and told the outlet that it was looking at ramping up its acquisitions before it takes its company public.

In the wake of the cost of living crisis luxury brands have struggled to appeal to the market..

Over the past few months other more costly retailers such as Planet Organic have found themselves on the brink of collapse.

In April the natural grocery store was bought back from administration, following news earlier this year that it was eyeing a sale of the brand.

City A.M has contacted Paramount Retail and Montezuma for a comment.

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