Bestway Wholesale acquires Dee Bee Wholesale

Founded in 1961, Dee Bee Wholesale has been operating for more than 65 years with annual sales of approximately £57 million in its last financial year.

The family-owned company employs 87 people at its two depots in Hull and Grimsby and serves more than 1,400 retail and on-trade customers in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The acquisition forms part of Bestway Wholesale’s continued strategic growth plans and further strengthens its regional footprint.

Nick Ramsden, managing director of Dee Bee Wholesale, said: “This marks an important milestone for Dee Bee Wholesale and the next stage in the business’s journey.

“Bestway Wholesale is a business with significant scale, ambition and a strong commitment to supporting independent retailers and customers. I am confident that becoming part of the Bestway Wholesale network will create new opportunities for the business and bring long-term benefits for customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.

Dawood Pervez: ‘Both businesses share a long-standing commitment to customer service, independent retail and supporting local businesses.’

“Customers can be reassured that it is very much business as usual. Our team, service and local relationships remain in place, and we will continue to support customers with the same commitment and service they have come to expect.”

Ramsden himself will remain within the business. His continued involvement is designed to ensure a smooth transition whilst maintaining the strong relationships Dee Bee has built over many years.

He added: “As the business becomes integrated into the wider Bestway Wholesale network, customers will also benefit from access to Bestway’s competitive pricing, market-leading promotions and extensive product range, creating an even stronger proposition for the future.”

Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dee Bee Wholesale into the Bestway Wholesale network. Dee Bee is a long-established family business with more than 65 years of customer service heritage, loyal customer base and detailed regional knowledge across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

“Both businesses share a long-standing commitment to customer service, independent retail and supporting local businesses.”

Pervez added: “The acquisition reinforces our ambition, our confidence in the wholesale sector and our commitment to being the partner of choice for independent retailers and suppliers across the UK.”

As a result of the acquisition, Dee Bee Wholesale has ceased to be a member of Unitas with immediate effect.

John Kinney, CEO of Unitas, said: “Dee Bee has played an important role in the history of our group, and we thank the Ramsden family and their colleagues for their contribution over many years. While we are naturally sorry to see them leave the membership, we respect their decision and wish them every success.

“Our focus remains firmly on supporting our members and continuing to deliver the scale, value and services that help independent wholesalers thrive.”

Nick Ramsden added: “Our family’s association with the organisations that ultimately became Unitas stretches back many decades, and we are immensely grateful for the support, partnership and friendship we have enjoyed throughout that time.

“I would like to personally thank the Unitas team, our fellow members and supplier partners for their unwavering support. We wish everyone connected with Unitas continued success in the years ahead.”