Irish pork processor M&M Walshe has acquired wholesale supplier Stirchley Bacon in a cross-border transaction.
The group, which operates Callan Bacon and RibWorld, said the deal marked a major move into the UK food service market and also provided it with a “substantial” presence in Britain.
The enlarged group will have combined turnover of about €120m (£88.7m) and employ almost 500 staff.
Stirchley Bacon, founded in 1982, is a family-owned business based at a 20,000 sq ft bacon slicing facility in Worcestershire. It is capable of slicing in excess of 140 tonnes of bacon every week.
“Bringing a successful brand like Stirchley Bacon on board is an exciting venture for us,” said Paul Walshe, M&M Walshe sales and marketing director. “The group is committed to continuing investment in equipment, innovation and people.”
Kilkenny-based Callan Bacon was established in 1924 and now has the capacity to produce 45,000 tonnes of pork products a year.
M&M Walshe acquired RibWorld in 2011 and has since invested more than €5m in its 100,000 sq ft site County Tipperary. The brand supplies own-label and premium branded products to retailers and the foodservice industry in Ireland, UK, Europe and Qatar.
No comments yet