Two of the West Country's biggest cheesemakers have linked up in a bid to grow sales of artisan cheeses.
Somerset cheesemaker AJ & RG Barber and Dorset-based Ashley Chase Estate agreed a merger in June, The Grocer can reveal.
Both companies currently sell cheeses carrying the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers protected designation of origin mark and the deal, which will create a business with a £60m turnover, will enable them to combine sales and marketing of these products.
The merger was a logical extension of previous co-operation, said Ashley Chase MD Mike Pullin, as it would help the companies develop complementary product ranges and market them to more consumers.
Pullin will take a seat on the board of Barber's and three of the directors at Barber's will sit on the Ashley Chase board. Both will operate from their existing sites and maintain separate limited statuses.
Somerset cheesemaker AJ & RG Barber and Dorset-based Ashley Chase Estate agreed a merger in June, The Grocer can reveal.
Both companies currently sell cheeses carrying the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers protected designation of origin mark and the deal, which will create a business with a £60m turnover, will enable them to combine sales and marketing of these products.
The merger was a logical extension of previous co-operation, said Ashley Chase MD Mike Pullin, as it would help the companies develop complementary product ranges and market them to more consumers.
Pullin will take a seat on the board of Barber's and three of the directors at Barber's will sit on the Ashley Chase board. Both will operate from their existing sites and maintain separate limited statuses.
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