Catering firm beefs up with rival acquisition

CATERING suppliers Underwood Meat Company have taken another bite out of the meat market in the South after acquiring a Kent-based sausage firm.

For an undisclosed sum, the company has acquired the Manor Farm Sausage Company, trading as Norsted Manor Meats.

The group has been on a steady acquisition trail, after buying St Albans-based wholesale butcher Butlers in 2014.

In 2013, Underwood acquired Bramley Foods, a subsidiary of Country Park Foods.

The deal resulted in the company expanding into a new site on Chesterfield’s Holmewood Industrial Park.

The Sheffield team of Irwin Mitchell advised on this acquisition, as well as that of Manor Farm.

Matt Ainsworth, corporate partner and real estate partner Tom Hall, both at the Sheffield office of law firm Irwin Mitchell also advised Underwood Meat Company on the latest transaction.

Mr Ainsworth said: “Underwood Meat Company is an exciting business which continues to grow both organically and through acquisition.

“The addition of the Manor Farm Sausage Company represents another excellent purchase for the company which will no doubt enable it to continue building both market share as well as its reputation for high quality products and customer service.

“Irwin Mitchell has built up a strong and close working relationship with Underwood Meat Company and we look forward to supporting the business in the future.”