Turkish food group Yildiz Holding is aiming to offload its UK-based cracker brand Jacob’s this year, according to a new report.

News agency Bloomberg, citing “two people with close knowledge of the matter”, said the owner of McVitie’s digestives and Godiva chocolates may offload the entire business or sell a stake to an investor.

Its sources confirmed earlier reports that Yildiz has hired investment bank Oppenheimer to oversee an auction of Jacob’s, which it runs through its UK-based international snacks business Pladis.

Yildiz acquired Jacob’s when it bought United Biscuits in a US$3.1bn deal in 2014.

But the company is now debt-laden and agreed a settlement with banks last year which means it has to sell assets as part of a $6.5bn loan restructuring deal.

Last week it agreed to sell Asia Pacific retail licences for its Godiva chocolate brand to Asian private-equity firm MBK Partners.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

When approached by Bloomberg, Yildiz and Oppenheimer declined to comment on the story.

just-food has additionally asked Pladis for a reaction to the Bloomberg report.