Janes Bakery has acquired the majority of Coughlans Bakeries’ business and assets, paving the way for 25 of the collapsed chain’s 31 former stores to reopen under new ownership.

Coughlans, which had traded since 1937, ceased trading on 1 July 2026, resulting in more than 170 redundancies.

Joint liquidators Paul Bailey and Kirren Keegan have now completed the sale of the majority of the business and certain assets to Janes Bakery, an independent bakery and café operator founded in 1971.

The Coughlans brand is not included in the deal, meaning the acquired stores are expected to reopen under the Janes Bakery name.

Janes currently operates a number of outlets across Gloucestershire and sells freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries and other bakery products.

The transaction secures a future for a significant proportion of Coughlans’ former estate and could also create new employment opportunities as stores return to trading.

Former Coughlans employees will be able to reapply for roles as Janes begins reopening the locations.

BABR co-founder and joint liquidator Paul Bailey said: “From the outset of our appointment, our objective was to secure a purchaser capable of reopening as many locations as possible and preserving employment opportunities where circumstances allowed.

“This transaction provides 25 of the company’s 31 former locations with the opportunity to trade again and we hope that a significant number of former employees will be able to secure new roles with the purchaser as operations recommence.”

Janes Bakery chief executive David Davies said: “Coughlans has been part of local life for generations. When shops close suddenly, the impact is felt by staff, loyal customers and the wider high street.

“Our job now is to move quickly but responsibly: reopen viable shops under the Janes name, welcome former Coughlans colleagues to reapply as we go, and bring the operating discipline of a heritage baker to a much-loved local bakery estate.”

Former Coughlans employees may be entitled to redundancy pay, notice pay, holiday pay and wage arrears through the Redundancy Payments Service.

The joint liquidators will continue to carry out their statutory duties following completion of the sale.

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