Patisserie Valerie, Bakers + Baristas merged to form “high-quality” brand

James Fleming will be the group’s chief executive.

Patisserie Valerie and Bakers + Baristas are set to merge, creating a “high-quality” patisserie and coffee group with more than 125 locations throughout the UK and Ireland.

This was announced by Causeway Capital, the owner of the two companies. The consolidated group is expected to continue operating under its two brands, which will retain their existing individual in-store offerings.

James Fleming, currently the chief executive of Bakers + Baristas, will serve as the newly-formed group’s chief executive.

“This merger represents a fantastic opportunity to establish a high-quality, branded coffee and patisserie business with a presence throughout the UK and Ireland,” Fleming said.

Causeway Capital explained that the merger would enable both businesses to benefit from shared baking, coffee and customer service resources as well as new product development, facilitate additional investment-for-growth opportunities, including new store openings.

The merger also follows the completion of a 12-month operational turnaround programme of Patisserie Valerie, led by production managing director José Peralta and retail managing director Paolo Peretti. Both have agreed to provide support to the executive team during a transitional period, prior to completing their full-time roles within the business.