Fullers Foods International, a frozen food business with a turnover of around £400 million, has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

The deal was funded by a group of private investors backing the existing management team of the Leeds-based frozen food supplier.

Kevin Smith at Fullers Foods, Leeds.

Kevin Smith, who has served as the company’s managing director for the past five years and worked with the Fullers family for over 18, will take up the role of CEO. Smith is said to have more than 25 years of experience working in retail and food businesses.

Jason Fuller commented: “In looking at who best to take over stewardship of the Fullers business and to ensure continuity of operations for our customers and suppliers, Adam and I felt the time had come to hand over Fullers to a younger generation who are excellently placed to take the company onto the next level of growth”.

He continued: “We strongly believe that under Kevin’s sustained leadership Fullers will be in safe hands, will remain at the forefront of the food industry and will continue to thrive. The loyalty and dedication of the whole team here at Fullers has been first class and we would like to thank them for their unwavering support over the years.”

Smith commented: “It’s been a privilege to work with Adam and Jason on the journey with Fullers Foods and to lead this business and our excellent team as managing director. It’s a real honour to do so now under this new ownership structure.

“Fullers Foods is a highly successful business. The new investment will enable us to grow on its many strengths, building our supplier and manufacturing capability around Europe and the world and expanding our team here in Leeds. It’s very much business as usual, with a bright future ahead.”