Contributors
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised specialist consumer brand investor Piper on its investment in Reeve the Baker, the long-established family bakery business based in Wilton, Wiltshire.
The investment will support Reeve the Baker’s plans to grow across market towns in the South of England, while preserving the heritage, products and community focus that have shaped the business over more than seven decades. Reeve currently operates 13 shops across Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, with a further shop due to open in Dorchester, and employs more than 200 people.
Founded in 1952, Reeve the Baker produces its range at a 13,000 sq ft central bakery in Wilton. Piper’s backing will help the business extend its shop estate and bring its artisan, freshly baked products to more communities across the region.
WBD provided legal advice to Piper on the transaction through a cross-office, multidisciplinary team led by corporate partner James Cook. The team included finance partner Tom Caplen, tax partner Ronan Lowney and managing associate Jo Norris, alongside Natalie Caple, Scarlett Hanks, Shumona Hussain and Niall Cameron.
James Cook, corporate partner at WBD, said:
“We are delighted to have supported Piper on its investment in Reeve the Baker, a business with a strong heritage, a loyal customer base and clear potential for further growth across the South of England.
“This transaction brings together Piper’s deep experience of helping ambitious consumer brands scale with Reeve’s established regional presence and commitment to its people and communities. We look forward to seeing the business build on those strengths as it enters its next phase of growth.”
WBD has advised Piper on a number of investments across the food, drink and hospitality sectors, including Forthglade, Barking Heads, Loungers and Mindful Chef. The latest deal further demonstrates the firm’s experience advising private equity investors on growth investments in established consumer brands.
