College Hill wins IPO brief for food company Big Bear Group

The firm, which announced its intention to float yesterday, handed College Hill the brief following a competitive pitch over the Christmas period. The brief will evolve into a retained relationship once the listing is complete.

Mark Garraway, the agency's lead partner on the account, said: ‘We have always done well in the food sector and we are delighted to be on the first food IPO of what we hope will be the new season.'

Big Bear, specialists in acquiring and revitalising UK food brands, was founded in 2003 from a management buy-in of Northern Foods' confectionery business by food industry executives Mario Giannotta, John Jackson, and Paul Wilkinson.

The listing is likely to value the firm at over £75m.

Travel booking firm Travelport, which retains Finsbury, is also expected to announce its intention to list this week.