Premium Brands acquires 62.6% stake in Yorkshire Valley Farms

Speciality food manufacturer Premium Brands Holdings (PBH) has acquired a 62.6% stake in Yorkshire Valley Farms, which is primarily engaged in the processing and marketing of organic chicken products.

Both companies involved in the transaction are based in Canada.

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by either party.

Premium Brands president and CEO George Paleologou said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire.

“Not only are we gaining another very talented management team, who over a relatively short period established Yorkshire as a leading player in the Canadian organic chicken market, but we are also expanding into a new and exciting high-growth product category.

“Organic protein products are growing faster than the overall category in both Canada and the US.

“This transaction, which combines the unique strengths of Yorkshire with our wide range of resources and capabilities, strongly positions Yorkshire to accelerate its growth in this rapidly expanding market segment.”

Yorkshire was initially established in 2010 and operates a 40,000ft² processing facility, which is engaged in the production of organic fresh and frozen chicken.

Most of the company’s chicken produce is sold under its Yorkshire Valley Farms brand.

Yorkshire Valley Farms president and CEO James Sculthorpe said: “We chose to partner with Premium Brands based on their solid reputation as a supportive long-term investor that respects the unique cultures and values of the businesses they invest in.

“We are very much looking forward to a great future together, and to leveraging Premium Brands’ various resources to strengthen our business and accelerate our growth.”

PBH previously acquired a 100% interest in Concord Premium Meats in May after receiving approval from the Competition Bureau.

Concord produces branded and customised protein solutions for retailers customers in the catering industry across Canada.