Historic Bakery Rescued in Last-Minute Deal
The future of a cherished family-run bakery in the West Midlands has been secured, safeguarding every single job at the long-standing business. William Herman Limited, the company operating the renowned Sunrise Bakery brand based in Smethwick, was acquired out of administration in a deal completed on 13 November 2025.
A Community Staple Saved from Closure
The bakery, which was originally founded in 1966, had entered administration following a sustained period of financial difficulty. Rising operational costs were cited as the primary reason for the company's losses. The directors turned to Opus Restructuring & Insolvency to handle the process.
In a swift move that prevented any disruption, a sale of the business and its assets to a third-party purchaser was finalised immediately upon the appointment of the administrators. This crucial transaction ensured that trading could continue without pause and, most importantly, protected all 23 roles within the company.
No redundancies were made as part of the deal, with every employee transferring directly to the new owner.
Securing a Legacy of Caribbean Baking
Sunrise Bakery holds a special place in its community. It was originally created to offer Caribbean residents in the Smethwick area a authentic taste of home. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly, growing into one of the largest suppliers of Caribbean artisan bread, buns, and cakes in the entire UK.
Mark Siddall, director and joint administrator at Opus Restructuring & Insolvency, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. He stated, "We are delighted to have secured the rescue of a business with such heritage, having traded in various forms since 1966. Safeguarding the jobs of the dedicated workforce and ensuring the bakery's future was our absolute priority, and we are very pleased to have achieved that outcome."
This successful acquisition not only preserves a vital local employer but also ensures that a unique piece of the West Midlands' culinary and cultural landscape continues to thrive for years to come.
