Spanish bakery group Europastry has agreed to acquire Highland Baking Company, an Illinois-based foodservice bakery founded in 1984 and still in family ownership. The deal, announced on 23 June, is the latest in a string of international moves by Europastry and will push the group's annual revenue past the €2bn (approximately $2.28bn) threshold.

Financial terms have not been disclosed and completion is expected in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Highland Baking operates two manufacturing sites, one in Northbrook, Illinois and one in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and supplies the foodservice sector with a portfolio spanning hamburger buns, pretzel, ciabatta and pan breads. The business is led by Stuart Rosen, a representative of the founding family.

For Europastry, the acquisition represents a material step-up in North American scale. The group has committed to a "significant" post-completion investment programme focused on expanding production capacity and widening the product range in the US market.

Headquartered in Spain, Europastry operates across more than 90 countries and employs over 5,500 people. Its recent international activity includes the acquisition of a 60% stake in Thai producer Art of Baking, which makes ready-to-eat and frozen bakery products. The group has twice attempted an IPO, withdrawing both on grounds of market volatility.