Cranswick acquires Irish pork processor Dunbia Ballymena

UK-based food producer Cranswick has acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Dunbia Ballymena (Ballymena), an Irish pork processing firm.

Financial details of the transaction have not been divulged by either company.

Dunbia Ballymena has a workforce of 360 people and processes around 7,800 UK farm-assured pigs each week.

The acquisition would strengthen Cranswick’s pig processing capability and establishes a significant presence in Northern Ireland.

Cranswick CEO Adam Couch said: “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.

“The management at Ballymena have 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.”

Dunbia Ballymena operates from a modern, purpose-built facility in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland, which features well-established supply chain, as well as maintains a healthy relationship with the local farming community.

Dunbia executive director Jack Dobson will extend his support to Ballymena in a consultancy capacity to facilitate the transition.

According to the information published on the company’s website, 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.