FDBusiness.com

The exclusive talks to acquire United Biscuits, the British and international biscuits and snacks manufacturer, between its owners and Chinese food conglomerate Bright Food Group are reported to have stalled over the asking price of around £2b. United Biscuits was put up for sale earlier this year by its private equity owners Blackstone Group and PAI Partners, which acquired the business for £1.6b four years ago.

United Biscuits is one of the world’s leading branded biscuits and snacks businesses. The group’s products range from biscuits and crackers to cakes and savoury snacks and its portfolio of brands includes McVitie’s, Jacob’s, Carr’s, McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes, KP, Mini Cheddars, go ahead!, Verkade, Sultana, BN, and Delacre. In 2009, United Biscuits increased EBITDA by 13.7% to £223.4m on turnover up 5% to £1.26b.