Investment made in Smithfield Murray and YPM to create a major UK player
Endless, the mid-market private equity investor, has completed an investment in North West based Smithfield Murray, bringing this together with its existing investment in Yorkshire Premier Meat (YPM) to create what it says will be a major UK force in value-added B2B protein supply.
Headquartered in the North West, Smithfield Murray is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of prepared raw poultry to retail and food service manufacturers, which in turn supply international, national and regional retailers and food service companies. The business uses cutting edge processing technology to supply complex value-add fresh protein solutions with exceptional levels of service quality and an assurance of the highest hygiene and safety standards.
This investment follows almost exactly one year from Endless’s investment in Yorkshire Premier Meat (YPM). Based in South Kirkby, YPM is a supplier of high quality meat ingredients into producers of ready meals, canned goods and savoury pasties/pies as well as the rapidly expanding direct to consumer subscription box meal market.
The deal brings Smithfield Murray and YPM together to create a combined Group with revenues of £115 million and offers significant opportunities to service customers with flexible multi-protein supply of value-add solutions with exceptional product quality and outstanding customer service.
Endless backed the existing Smithfield Murray management team and founding shareholders Damien Murray and Martin Grady, who will continue to lead the business and drive its growth plans with Endless’ backing. The YPM Board is chaired by Di Walker, former CEO of Karro Foods and Eight Fifty Group.
Group Chair Di Walker said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Damien, Martin and the team at Smithfield Murray. Despite the challenges being faced in the poultry supply chain at this time, the business has proved itself to offer exceptional levels of service quality, and this investment alongside YPM is transformational for both businesses, with fantastic potential for growth and further follow-on investment.”
Smithfield Murray CEO Damien Murray said: “It is fantastic to be joining forces with Endless and the YPM team. Everyone at Smithfield Murray has worked incredibly hard to create the quality of business we have today, and we’re excited about the job creation opportunities this investment will bring in the future. This also opens up exciting opportunities for growth, working closely with our loyal customers and suppliers.”
The investment is the latest from Endless’ £400m Fund V and follows previous food manufacturing investments by Endless including KTC Edibles, Hovis, Bright Blue Foods and Karro.
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