NAPB Partners with Bamford Group in Strategic Merger
Deal News | Apr 04, 2025 | Ironbridge
North American Produce Buyers Limited (NAPB), a portfolio company of Ironbridge, has formed a strategic partnership with the Bamford Group, including Fresh Advancements Inc. and Freshline Foods Ltd., to enhance their position in the Canadian produce market. The Bamford Group, a major supplier in the wholesale, fresh-cut, and foodservice sectors throughout Ontario and Quebec, will combine resources with NAPB to expand their range of produce items and delve deeper into value-added processing and new customer channels. Larry Davidson, former CEO of NAPB, and Steve Bamford, CEO of the Bamford Group and incoming CEO of the merged entity, both expressed enthusiasm for the merger, highlighting mutual strengths in customer trust and industry expertise. The partnership aims to build on the Bamford Group's 140-year legacy to drive significant growth in the produce sector.
Sectors
- Agriculture & Food Supply
- Private Equity
Geography
- Canada – The partnership involves Canadian companies operating in Ontario and Quebec, representing significant geographic relevance.
Industry
- Agriculture & Food Supply – The merger involves companies specializing in the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables across wholesale, fresh-cut, and foodservice channels.
- Private Equity – Ironbridge is a private equity firm managing this strategic partnership, indicating significant industry involvement.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American Produce Buyers Limited (NAPB) | Target Company | Company | A portfolio company of Ironbridge, NAPB is involved in the fresh produce industry in Canada. |
| Ironbridge | Private Equity Firm | Company | The private equity firm managing the partnership between NAPB and the Bamford Group. |
| Bamford Group | Bidding Company | Company | A leading supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables in Ontario and Quebec, including Fresh Advancements Inc. and Freshline Foods Ltd. |
| Fresh Advancements Inc. | Other Company | Company | Part of the Bamford Group, contributing to the partnership with NAPB. |
| Freshline Foods Ltd. | Other Company | Company | Part of the Bamford Group, contributing to the partnership with NAPB. |
| Larry Davidson | Former CEO of NAPB | People | Larry Davidson was the CEO of NAPB and comments on the strategic gains of the merger. |
| Steve Bamford | CEO of Bamford Group and Incoming CEO of Merged Entity | People | Steve Bamford is the CEO of the Bamford Group and will lead the combined entity post-merger. |
| Andrew Walton | Managing Partner at Ironbridge | People | Andrew Walton comments on the partnership and is part of Ironbridge, facilitating the transaction. |