Two UK sausage producers have been bought out this week by European rivals.

WA Turner, a Kent-based producer of sausages and savoury bakery products, has been acquired by beef processor Irish Food Processors. Turner will operate alongside IFP's Anglo Beef Processors Group, whose companies produce value added and consumer-ready products for the multiples as well as branded products. ABP processes nearly 20% of all beef produced in the UK.

IFP confirmed that Mark Roberts will remain as chief executive of WA Turner. "Moving into the ABP Group will give us the additional financial strength and skills to fully exploit our potential," he said.

Meanwhile, Dutch meat giant Vion has bought a controlling stake in UK sausage and pizza manufacturer J&J Transfield. Vion, which supplies bacon and fresh pork to major supermarkets, said it hoped the deal would help it expand in Britain's convenience foods category.

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