Ireland’s Dawn Meats and Dunbia receive regulatory approval for strategic partnership

Irish supplier Dawn Meats (Dawn) and Northern Ireland-headquartered red meat processor Dunbia have received all regulatory clearances approved for the strategic partnership and acquisition agreement signed between the firms.

The strategic partnership between the companies was announced in May. Under the terms of the deal, Dawn agreed to partner with Dunbia to set up a joint venture (JV) company in the UK.

With the completion of the deal, the combined UK businesses of both the companies will trade as Dunbia. It will be managed by former Dunbia CEO Jim Dobson, while Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne will serve as executive chairman.

Officials from both the companies have also unveiled the new brand and logo for the JV at the business’s headquarters in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

As part of the agreement, Dawn has also acquired Dunbia’s operations in the Republic of Ireland.

The acquisition increases Dawn’s facility count to nine in the region, with the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities in Slane and Kilbeggan.

Niall Browne said: “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 added: “The partnership will ensure that we can grow as a leading supplier in the UK market and deliver long-term solutions for our customers."

The combined businesses in the UK and Ireland are expected to process nearly 900,000 cattle and 2.6 million sheep annually, offering customers regionally sourced beef and lamb from 15 facilities across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Image: Regulatory authorities approved a partnership and acquisition agreement between Dawn Meats and Dunbia. Photo: courtesy of Dunbia.