Ping … Bakkavor, one of the biggest suppliers of microwave ready meals to Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, has confirmed plans to float on the London Stock Exchange. The Lincolnshire-based company, which employs 16,500 people in the UK and also supplies Tesco, Costa Coffee and Sainsbury’s, made a pre-tax profit of £63.1 million on revenue of £1.7 billion in 2017. “Over the past 30 years Bakkavor has grown to become the clear leader in the UK market for fresh prepared foods and a vital partner for retailers,” says Simon Burke, who is to join as chairman in advance of the float. “Through that time the business has retained its entrepreneurial edge while putting in place a hugely experienced management team with strength in depth across…

Source: The Times October 10, 2017 07:52 UTC