Casper Limited ("Casper") today announces the aquisiition of King UK Limited ("King UK"), the leading distributor of non-food products to the licensed trade and catering sectors in the UK. The business was acquired from Autobar Group Limited ("Autobar") in a private sale for an undisclosed amount. More information can be found at www.casperlimited.com.

Christoph Sander, Chief Executive of Casper said "King UK has a rich history and tradition. It has been recognised as the market leader in supplying the licensed trade, catering, hotel and leisure sectors for many years. The Casper management team is committed to building on this heritage and developing further the leading position in these markets by focusing on the delivery of outstanding customer service".

Andrew Bristow, Cheif Executive of Autobar said :"The King UK activities have become non-core to our rapidly developing European vending business. It was important for us to choose a suitable home for the business, as it had been a part of our Group for many years. We decided that a sale to Casper is in the best interests of King UK's employees, customers and suppliers. I have personally known the founders and owners of Casper for many years and believe they are the most knowledgeable management team in the European non-food distribution industry. They have a most impressive track record and we are confident that King UK will be in most excellent hands".

Neil Mitchell of Rickitt Mitchell provided corporate finance advice to Casper.