United Biscuits gears up for sale

United Biscuits, the maker of McVitie's Jaffa Cakes and Hula Hoops, is gearing up to be sold by its private equity owners, Blackstone and PAI Partners.

Hula Hoops: owner United Biscuits gears up for sale
Hula Hoops: owner United Biscuits gears up for sale

The announcement follows months of speculation that Blackstone and PAI Partners would put the company up for sale.

United Biscuits was previously listed on the FTSE100 before it was purchased by Blackstone and PAI Partners in 2006 for £1.6bn.

Observers believed that the private equity owners would sell the business or look for an exit strategy within five years of its purchase.

United Biscuit's range of brands includes KP Nuts, Hula Hoops, Jacobs, McCoy's and Ritz crackers.

Kraft, the new owner of Cadbury, and Premier Food, along with rival private equity companies had previously been tipped as possible suitors for United Biscuits. However observers believe both Kraft and Premier Food are unlikely buyers.

An alternative exit for Blackstone and PAI Partners would be to list the company.

United Biscuits declined to comment.

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