A merger between Dawn Meats and Dunbia has been cleared by regulators, allowing the businesses to establish a joint venture in the UK, comprising the UK operations of both organisations.
The combined businesses now trade as Dunbia and are managed by former Dunbia CEO Jim Dobson as chief executive, and Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne as executive chairman.
In the Republic of Ireland, Dawn has acquired Dunbia’s operations, and now has nine facilities (including five abattoirs), following the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities – one abattoir in Slane, and one boning hall in Kilbeggan.
The combined businesses in the UK and Ireland will process approximately 900,000 cattle and 2.6 million sheep annually.
The new brand and logo for the joint venture has also been unveiled to staff and customers at the business’s headquarters in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.
Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats, commented: “We are very pleased to have successfully concluded this process and can now look to deliver the benefits that we believe this transaction will bring for our customers, staff and suppliers.
“Our focus will continue to be on quality and sustainability across three leading national businesses: Dawn Meats in Ireland, Dunbia in the UK and Elivia in France.”
Jim Dobson, CEO of Dunbia, added: “I am excited today to be introducing a fresh look for the new Dunbia business in the UK. The partnership will ensure that we can grow as a leading supplier in the UK market and deliver long-term solutions for our customers and a strong relationship with our farmer suppliers.”
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.