Valeo Foods Group has agreed to sell its Irish business to an investor consortium led by Hilliard Lombard, the former head of the operation, in a move that underlines the Dublin-based company’s determination to concentrate on confectionery and other sweeter lines.

According to The Irish Times, the transaction covers well-known names including Jacob’s biscuits and Odlums flour, as well as other staples in the Irish ambient foods market. Valeo did not disclose the financial terms, and the deal still needs the customary regulatory approvals in Ireland before it can be completed.

The company, which is owned by Bain Capital, said the divestment fits with its plan to simplify its portfolio and reinforce its ambition to become a “Sweet Treats Champion”. It has been channeling investment towards areas such as honey, confectionery and sweet bakery, while also pruning businesses that sit outside that focus. Last year, Valeo sold New World Foods Europe, its meat snacks arm, to Kepak.

Valeo said it expects to keep a close commercial relationship with the Irish business after completion, including distribution of its international branded portfolio in Ireland. Lombard, whose background includes seven years at bakery group Aryzta, has been active as an investor through BiaVest, which has previously backed food assets in Ireland and continental Europe.

In the wider context, the sale comes after Valeo reported stronger trading earlier this year, with sales rising and operating profit climbing in the year to March 2025, according to local reporting. That performance suggests the group is exiting Ireland from a position of relative strength as it seeks to sharpen its strategic direction rather than in response to distress.

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