ABF plans to acquire Hovis to merge with Kingsmill and Allinson's, aiming for market dominance and efficiency.

Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of Kingsmill, plans to buy Hovis from private equity firm Endless and merge it with their Allied Bakeries unit, which produces Kingsmill and Allinson's bread. The acquisition aims to create significant cost efficiencies and synergies, forming a more profitable and sustainable bread business. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, may attract scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority.