A new owner has been revealed for a Gloucester family business which has been trading for more than half a century – and despite the big change, a statement issued today to Punchline-Gloucester.com has sought to reassure customers and the firm's 100 staff that "it is very much business as usual".

Tuffley-based Janes Pantry, which was established in 1971, has been bought up in the move that follows the retirement of the Gloucester firm's boss, Neville Morse and his wife Tania.

Since inception in 1971, the city's business has established 11 outlets in total, with 10 café bakery shops in Gloucester with an outlet on Cheltenham's Bath Road, while a small fleet of vans also supplies key industrial and trading estates throughout the county.

Yeovil-based Percy's Baking (UK) Ltd was confirmed as the new owner in a statement from Janes Pantry accountant, Amy Morse.

Ms Morse said: "It is very much business as usual. All products will continue to be baked at our Gloucester bakery, and our shops will remain open as normal. Customers can still expect the same fresh, high-quality baked goods they know and love."

On staffing and job security, she added that the skills and experience of the existing team was "highly valued" and no changes would follow the ownership change, which was completed at the end of this June.

She added: "Neville and Tania have taken a well-earned retirement after more than 40 years of dedication. Percy's is proud to continue their legacy while also investing in the future of the brand."

Ms Morse also moved to rule out questions over the new ownership.

Percy's Bakery Ltd was listed as being in liquidation by Companies House, the business having been incorporated in August 2013. It is also also currently listed as being subject to two insolvency cases since 2024, with a creditors voluntary liquidation for winding up the company being made on February 23.

However, the sale of the Gloucester firm made in June was confirmed as being to Percy's Baking (UK) Ltd, which was incorporated in 2017.

Ms Morse said: "Percy's Baking (UK) Ltd is fully operational, financially stable, and focused on growing both Percy's and Janes Pantry. The takeover of Janes Pantry is part of a long-term strategy to build on its strong heritage while creating opportunities for the future.

She added: "Backed by a UK fund, Percys Group has several businesses under its umbrella, including well-known brands like Chococo."

Andrejs Litvinenko was appointed as Percy's Group Operations Director in June 2024 and Punchline has sought a statement from Mr Litvinenko this morning over the financial position of the company and its precise roadmap for Janes Pantry.

Elsewhere, the Yeovil firm's business activity shows that the business, which is listed as a maker of rusks and biscuits, as well as preserved pastry goods and cakes, is a key player in wholesale supply to several prominent UK food giants, including M&S Food, Aldi, Caffè Nero, Lidl, Harrods, Selfridges, Morrisons and Fortnum and Masons. Last Christmas, the company hit UK headlines for the supply of two key festive products to M&S.

The takeover is a landmark change for Jane's Pantry, which began as a modest sandwich bar in St Aldates Street in 1971 and was opened by Tony and Barbara Phillips, who named the shop and subsequent business after their youngest daughter.

Information provided by the Tuffley business currently states that is "still very much a family run firm, with Neville Morse controlling day to day operations", but a further source confirmed today that Mr Morse had retired.

● In its website, the company states: "Jane's Pantry has become a major city employer and is now responsible for more than 100 people from its Tuffley, Gloucester Headquarters. Our new shop at Kingswalk gives our customers and a modern retail space which is mixed with a rustic/industrial look. Alongside our brand new kitchen we have an innovative menu with a range of fresh meals produced with local ingredients."