Stephen Callender
- Partner
- Corporate
Wedlake Bell has advised Mathieu Le Bras (Managing Director and former MD of The Bread Factory, the sister wholesale business of Gail’s) and Jane Sims (Operations Director) on the management buyout of Reeve the Baker Limited.
The MBO was backed by Piper, a specialist investor with extensive experience supporting British consumer brands.
Reeve the Baker is a bakery business founded in 1952 and operates 13 sites in Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire. The company employs over 200 people and turned over £12m in the financial year ending September 2026.
Piper’s investment will be used to help Reeve expand across market towns in the south of England, with a goal of reaching around 45 shops in five years.
Mathieu Le Bras, Managing Director of Reeve the Baker said: “Buying Reeve the Baker was a huge step for Jane and me, and Wedlake Bell made it feel manageable from the first conversation. They took the time to understand what this acquisition meant to us, explained every stage in plain terms, and kept the deal moving without ever losing sight of the detail. Their calm, practical advice gave us real confidence at the moments it mattered most. We are very grateful to Stephen Callender and the team at Wedlake Bell.”
Stephen Callender, Corporate Partner at Wedlake Bell, commented: “We were delighted to support Mathieu and Jane on this successful MBO. Reeve has a great reputation for craft baking and a long heritage having been a staple in local communities for over 80 years. Now with Piper’s investment and backing, I look forward to seeing Mathieu and Jane grow and develop the Reeve business and brand.”
Wedlake Bell’s team was led by Stephen Callender (Partner, Corporate), with support from James French (Senior Associate, Corporate), Enea Aniaj (Solicitor, Corporate) and Choy Lau (Legal Director, Employment).
Meet the team:
James French
- Senior Associate
- Corporate
Enea Aniaj
- Solicitor
- Corporate
