Premier Foods: selling off Marks + Spencer suppliers

London / UK. (st) Premier Foods PLC is planning to divest itself of the chilled food business RF Brookes – supplier to major food retailers, caterers and restaurant chains – and Avana Bakeries, one of Marks + Spencer´s main cake and confectionery suppliers. Premier acquired these businesses when it purchased RHM last year, and the «Sunday Telegraph» says these divestments are part of a wider strategy to boost its branded food business and transform from a white-label business. According to the paper, which quoted no sources, Premier has hired the investment bank NM Rothschild to assist with the sale.