Bidvest Foodservice’s acquisition of Caterfood, a wholesaler in Paignton, Devon, does not mean its Lee Mill depot in Ivybridge, just 19 miles away, is destined to close.

A Bidvest spokesman said that, despite their proximity, both will continue to trade under their own names.

The Paignton operator – in a 38,000 sq ft building, with a staff of 110 and headed by executive chairman Mark Felton – was established in nearby Torquay in 1970.

A second unit opened in St Austell, Cornwall, in 1987 (no longer in existence), and this was followed two years later by the head office moving to Paignton.

Starting as a frozen food specialist, the company later added ambient and chilled food to its range, as well as non-foods. A speciality ice cream business was acquired in 2008.

The company delivers six days a week to caterers located between Cornwall and Gloucestershire, using a fleet of 40 multi-temp vehicles. There is no delivery charge or minimum drop.

Bidvest Foodservice chief executive Andrew Selley said: “Caterfood (with a turnover of £19 million) is already a very successful leading foodservice supplier in the south-west, with a real passion for service.

“It is operated by a strong, dynamic local management team with unrivalled local knowledge.”

He added that there are no plans to change the current Caterfood management and staff.

Tel: Bidvest Foodservice (0370) 3663 000