Cranswick has acquired the whole of the issued share of capital of Northern Irish pork processing business, Dunbia Ballymena.
Dunbia Ballymena, which operates from a purpose built facility in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland, currently employs 360 people and processes approximately 7,800 UK farm assured pigs per week.
Cranswick hopes the acquisition will enhance the company’s pig processing capability and establish a significant presence in Northern Ireland.
The transaction will be funded from Cranswick’s existing debt facilities and is expected to be earnings neutral in the current financial year and earnings enhancing in FY18.
Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, commented: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Dunbia’s Ballymena pork processing business. This acquisition strengthens our UK pork processing business and provides us with greater control over our supply chain, ensuring that we can maintain the production and processing of high quality, UK farm assured, pigs which is central to our customer’s requirements."
Jack Dobson, executive director of Dunbia Limited, will support Ballymena in a consultancy capacity to help ensure a smooth transition.
Couch continued: “The management at Ballymena has created long lasting and sustained supply chain relationships and we look forward to building on this and continuing to invest in the facilities, and the team, over the years ahead.
“We welcome Jack and the team at Ballymena to Cranswick and look forward to working with them to develop the business further.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
