Food company Kepak has agreed a deal to buy Meat Snacks Group Limited from Valeo Food Group.
Trading as New World Foods Europe, the business makes ambient meat snacks including high-protein brands Kings, Wild West and Cruga.
The deal also includes the Freshers Foods brand, its associated product lines and Valeo's two manufacturing sites in Wigan and York in the UK.
Kepak said today's acquisition marks a significant milestone in its strategy to strengthen its presence in the high-protein snacking and food-to-go categories, which are seeing sustained growth across the UK and international markets.
Brian Farrell, CEO of Kepak Foods Division said, today's deal enhances the company's capabilities in the ambient snacking category and adds a strong suite of established brands to its portfolio.
"It supports our continued growth in both the UK and international markets, particularly across the convenience and food-to-go channels. It's very much business as usual for both companies and our partners as we start a phased integration process," he added.
Mr Farrell said the acquisition forms part of Kepak's broader strategy to diversify its offering and build on its existing strengths across core categories and also reflects its ongoing commitment to consumer-led innovation and category development.
Ronald Kers, CEO of Valeo Foods Group, said the company is confident that Kepak Group is the right partner to lead New World Foods Europe into its next chapter and unlock its full potential.
"We are pleased that they are transitioning to another outstanding company where they will receive the focus and resources to grow," he stated.
