Mark Toney & Co Ltd, a well known ice cream business in Newcastle, has come to market through Christie & Co with a guide price of £425k, as the owners seek retirement.
Established in 1892 by Giovanni Marcantonio, Mark Toney & Co has now been a North East staple for over a century. The business comprises a factory/production facility and offices on Benton Square Industrial Estate, fully equipped for the manufacture and storage of their full product range.
The building is also the headquarters for the wholesale arm of the business which services in excess of 200 customers across leisure sites, retailers, restaurants & cafes.
In addition are two, longstanding ice cream parlours/coffee shops occupying prominent trading positions in Newcastle city centre. The Grainger Street outlet has traded since 1962 and is the oldest coffee shop in the city. Percy Street was established in 1974.
The business is being sold in its entirety as a going concern – staff and customers should rest assured that it is absolutely business as usual.
The current owner, Antony Marcantonio is Giovanni’s great grandson. His decision to sell the business in order to retire presents an incredible opportunity for any aspiring and ambitious new owner.
Marcantonio commented, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the full lifetime I have spent in this rewarding and challenging business but am now looking forward to a happy retirement spent with my grandchildren and pursuing my various hobbies.
“With the great products, goodwill and history this business has, I truly feel that I am leaving it ideally placed to prosper and expand in the years ahead.
'I am looking for a new owner who will continue the business ethos that has made us a North East household name for nearly 130 years, and who will continue to look after the many long-serving and loyal staff who have been instrumental in our success.
'Our many loyal customers in the North East should be reassured that it will continue to be business as usual during the transition to new ownership.”
David Cash, Associate Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team is handling the sale and added, “Mark Toney truly is a household name in Newcastle and across the wider north east region. I am delighted to have been entrusted to handle the sale on behalf of the family and feel as though it presents an incredible opportunity for somebody.
'I expect interest to come mainly from existing hospitality industry professionals, but equally I would not be surprised to hear from those perhaps looking for a career/lifestyle change.”