Sweet maker Maxilin Crawford buys Tilley’s Sweets

A deal between the two sweet companies was agreed for an undisclosed sum. The businesses would now trade as Crawford & Tilley.

Maxilin Crawford, which had planned to expand its product lines prior to the acquisition, said Tilley’s was a perfect fit. The company will now increase its production capacity from 20t of sweets a week, to 90t.

The newly-merged company Crawford & Tilley has agreed deals with Iceland, Poundland and B&M to sell its sweets in their stores.

‘A fantastic addition’

Maxilin Crawford md Joanne Williams said: “Tilley’s Sweets is a fantastic addition to our company as it more than triples our production capabilities.

“The sale of Tilley’s came at just the right time. We were planning to expand our production capabilities, and whilst at an industry show, we learned Tilley’s was available.

“It made absolute sense to purchase the business and its assets as Tilley’s fitted perfectly with our current ranges, and will allow us to expand and grow our product lines.”

The sweets maker bought Tilley’s Sweets with the financial backing of NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lombard.

NatWest senior relationship manager Steve Walsh said: “Maxilin Crawford has enjoyed strong and sustainable growth in recent years, and the acquisition of Tilley’s Sweets is a fantastic addition to the business.

‘Clear plan for further business growth’

“Joanne and the management team have a clear plan for further business growth, and we wish them every success for the future.”

Bolton-based Maxilin Crawford is the parent of liquorice producer Maxilin and lollipop maker R Crawford (Northern). Maxilin is best known for its Liquorice Flyers in the UK and Super Flyers range in Denmark. R Crawford produces a variety of lollipop ranges, which include Posh Lollies and a Vimto range.

Meanwhile, Tilley’s Sweets is known for its hard-boiled sweets range.

Tilley’s Sweets, based in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, came under fire in 2013 after a worker crushed their hand in one of its machines. The worker was trying to clear a jammed machine of boiled sweets. The company was ordered to pay £6,375 following a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation.