Management buyout at Angus firm with more than 100 staff

There has been a management buyout at long-established Angus ready meals business Strathmore Foods.

Operating for more than 50 years, the Forfar company manufactures chilled and frozen convenience food products.

It is one of the town’s largest private sector employers with around 115 staff.

It owns the brands McIntosh of Strathmore, Craft Mac Co and Scottish Favourites. Strathmore Foods also produces meals on behalf of other customers.

The Carseview Road operation produces 15 million meals a year.

The management buyout has been backed by private equity firm Foresight Group.

Former sales director Neil MacRae has been appointed managing director and will lead the company’s next phase of growth.

Mark Steven, former managing director of Highland Spring, will join the board as a chair.

Foresight’s investment, alongside the existing shareholders, will support the management team to build on Strathmore’s established market position and pursue growth across retail, foodservice and contract manufacturing.

Neil MacRae, managing director of Strathmore Foods, said:

“Strathmore has built an outstanding reputation for quality, innovation and customer service over more than 50 years.

“We look forward to continuing that heritage while investing in new growth opportunities across retail, foodservice and contract manufacturing.”

Strathmore Foods was established in 1973.

Its most recent accounts, for the year ending June 28 2025, show sales increased by 4% to pass £20 million for the first time.

The debt-free business made a pre-tax profit of £2.7m during this period.

Julie Nisbet previously led Strathmore Foods and will retain a minority shareholding.

“Strathmore Foods has been at the heart of our family for many years, and we are incredibly proud of the business we have built alongside our employees, customers and suppliers,” she said.

“As we enter this exciting new chapter, we are delighted to welcome Foresight as our investment partner while retaining a minority shareholding in the company.

“Most importantly, this partnership creates opportunities to invest further in our people, our customers and our capabilities, ensuring Strathmore Foods remains a leading food solutions provider, renowned for quality, innovation and service, for many years to come.”

Foresight recently exited its shareholding in Dundee business ATL Turbine Services.

This article appeared in the Courier on 11 November 2026