The deal involves “significant” investment in the bakery, which includes a multi-million pound expansion plan that will create 65 new jobs and includes a new bread production line.
Founded in 1965, Menissez is a family-owned business based in the north of France that owns a number of companies including Van Rooy and Le Marie Patisserie in Europe and Boulart in North America. The firm bought its controlling stake in Jones Village Bakery from private equity firm Limerston Capital, who invested in the company in 2021.
The business will continue to be run by the existing senior management team, headed by managing director Robin Jones and his brother Christien, as well as operations director Simon Thorpe and commercial director Lesley Arnot.
With several bakeries on Wrexham Industrial Estate and another in Minera on the outskirts of the town, Jones Village Bakery employs 900 people.
“This exciting new partnership with Menissez will bring immediate investment into the business,” said Jones.
“They are a brilliant company and the family, headed by Laurent and Isabelle Menissez, are true global pioneers of the bakery industry and this is a long-term partnership that will benefit from the clear synergies between the two companies and the two families.
“Our cutting edge operation and the scope for future expansion will provide them with a UK production platform.”
Jones added that the new production line will “be the best, most modern equipment available anywhere in the world and will have a high degree of automation, underpinned by our craft bakery skills”.
“We’ve always been keen to ensure that the bakery is run by bakers because we have a very proud heritage as a family business that’s celebrating its 90th anniversary this year,” he continued.
“We’ve been on an incredible journey and since Limerston became a shareholder in 2021 the business has trebled in size and we’d like to thank them for their involvement but we are now beginning a new chapter.
“We’re really proud to partner with Menissez because this significant investment will enable us to fulfil our huge potential in terms of growth and reach a whole new level.”
Meanwhile, Laurent Menissez, CEO of Menissez, believes there are clear parallels between the two companies.
“The Jones Village Bakery has been a shining light in the bakery industry for many years and we have watched their growth with great admiration,” he said.
“Like them, we are a family company and bakers at heart so their culture and values are the same as ours. As well as producing the highest quality baked goods, they have a clear vision to expand capacity and reach new customers.”
