Burts Chips’ UK MD has left the business following a failed management buyout bid, prompting speculation about the firm’s future ownership.

The Devon-based crisp company appointed ex-Ilchester Cheese chief Melvin Glynn at the end of 2010 to spearhead growth in the UK. However, in December Glynn left the company after just a year following an attempted management buyout.

David Nairn, chairman of the business for the last four and a half years, has stepped into the role.

“Melvin was keen on going ahead with a management buyout but it wasn’t something the company’s shareholders were interested in,” confirmed Nairn.

According to Companies House, director Jonty White, who took the Devon-based crisp brand nationwide after buying the business from co-founder Richard Burt in 2000, had his appointment terminated in October. Burts confirmed White had been on sabbatical since February 2011 but declined to comment on his future role with the company.

Burts is in the process of appointing Mike Cosby as its new finance director to help strengthen its board as it looks to accelerate its expansion plans. He will work alongside Nairn and the company’s existing financial controller Neil Adams. Cosby was previously FD of metal packaging giant Crown Packaging (formerly MetalBox).

Burts has recently invested in its plant to extend firing capacity by 50%. Turnover rose 60% over the past year to hit £11.9m at the end of 2011.

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