A long-established Leicester food manufacturer employing around 1,150 people is set to change hands as part of a deal that will expand its buyer\u2019s position in the UK premium pork market.<\/p>\n
Pilgrim\u2019s Europe has agreed to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company from Samworth Brothers, subject to Competition and Markets Authority approval and employee consultation.<\/p>\n
The Leicester-based business dates back to 1824 and produces a range of premium pork products, including sausages, sliced cooked meats, cooked bacon, snacking products and p\u00e2t\u00e9.<\/p>\n
It supplies major UK retailers and has built a position in premium own-label food production.<\/p>\n
For Pilgrim\u2019s Europe, the acquisition will broaden its presence in value-added pork products and strengthen its UK supply chain. The two businesses already have an established trading relationship.<\/p>\n
Ivan Siqueira, President of Pilgrim’s Europe, said: \u201cWalkers Deli & Sausage is a fantastic business with a proud heritage, a highly skilled team and a strong reputation for quality and innovation. This acquisition is a natural strategic fit for Pilgrim’s Europe. We already have a well-established supply relationship with Walkers Deli & Sausage and see significant opportunities to build on the strengths of both businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy bringing Walkers Deli & Sausage into Pilgrim’s Europe, we will further strengthen our integrated supply chain, expand our presence in attractive premium pork categories and enhance our ability to serve customers across the UK. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to welcoming Walkers Deli & Sausage colleagues to the Pilgrim’s family following completion of the transaction.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed sale forms part of Samworth Brothers’ strategy to concentrate investment on its Food to Go, Savoury Pastry, Meals and branded product operations.<\/p>\n
Samworth Brothers chief executive, Simon Wookey, said: \u201cWalkers Deli & Sausage is an outstanding business that has made a significant contribution to Samworth Brothers over many years. As the protein sector has become increasingly specialised and integrated, we believe Walkers Deli & Sausage is well positioned for its next phase of growth as part of a business with protein at its core and expertise across the supply chain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis transaction enables Samworth Brothers to focus investment on the significant growth opportunities we see across Food to Go, Savoury Pastry, Meals and our portfolio of Brands. We are incredibly proud of what our Walkers Deli & Sausage colleagues have built and grateful for their contribution. We are confident this move provides a strong platform for the business’s future success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following completion, the focus will be on supporting employees through the transition while maintaining existing customer service and product standards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A 200-year-old business has been acquired from Samworth Brothers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2113987,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2113986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","tag-leicestershire","tag-top-story"],"yoast_head":"\n