Food franchise network the Retail Food Group has acquired the Queensland based Big Dad’s Pies 37 store chain.

RFG has been openly in acquisition mode for some time and Big Dad’s Pies is seen as a complementary system and product line to the other brands, Brumby’s Bakeries and Brumby’s Go, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and bb’s Cafe.

Big Dad’s Pies will sit under the Brumby’s franchise system and will benefit from the strength afforded to the rest of the brands in terms of brand positioning, purchasing power, strong lessor relationships and group marketing benefits.

Retail Food Group CEO Tony Alford said “The menu offer is complemented by various other quality products synergistic with those of the company’s existing Brumby’s Bakeries franchise system.

“The acquisition will also enable RFG to avail itself of additional opportunities given the Big Dad’s Pies outlet network is principally situated in strip and other locations that differ from the predominant shopping centre environments of the company’s existing franchise systems”, he said.

The group’s support department and staffing services will be increased for the benefit of the Big Dads Pies franchisees who will be able to voice all inquiries or model enhancement suggestions to a dedicated BDP integration committee.

“In addition RFG has already undertaken significant one-on-one discussions with BDP franchisees as well as conducting focus group forums. An early outcome is an overwhelming consensus from BDP franchisee community for RFG to critically review and enhance existing operational practices, attend menu extension and undertake product development,” said Alford.

RFG has confirmed the acquisition is wholly funded from cash reserves with no requirement to raise capital.

As of 1 April the acquisition brings RFG’s franchise family total to 1097 stores. There are no plans to close any Big Dad’s Pies outlets and the group is on track to open its planned 40 outlets this year with national distribution of the new brand part of the strategy.