The growth of the Kepak Group has continued as it has announced plans to acquire a majority interest in Greene Farm Foods.

The latest venture by one of Ireland’s largest meat processors follows on from last month’s announcement that it had agreed terms to buy the Clare-based beef processing company, John Kelly Meats.

A joint venture company, formed by Kepak Group and Oliver Carty, has agreed terms to acquire a majority shareholding in Greene Farm Foods, Ballygarvey, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath.

The planned acquisition is subject to normal due diligence and the statutory approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Greene Farm Foods processes and markets a range of high quality cooked convenience meats into the retail and foodservice distribution channels, predominantly in Ireland.

Oliver Carty processes and markets a wide and varied range of multiple award winning pork and bacon products also predominantly into the Irish retail and foodservice distribution channels.

Kepak Group is a significant primary and added value processor of Irish beef, lamb and pork, while it also has a significant portfolio of own brand and branded convenience foods.

It has an EU and international sales reach to a diverse range of retail and foodservice customers.

The Managing Director of the Kepak Group, John Horgan said this joint venture collaboration and investment by Kepak Group and Oliver Carty in Greene Farm Foods will unlock significant commercial and operational synergies for all the shareholders and for the supply chain stakeholders.

Kepak looks forward to collaborating with Oliver Carty to develop win-win outcomes for all parties.

In addition, Ted Carty, the Managing Director of Oliver Carty said he was excited by the joint venture opportunities presented by this planned investment in Greene Farm Foods.

“It represents a logical strategic development for Oliver Carty; our heritage is in consumer focused innovation for our customers.

“This investment, with our partner Kepak Group, will enable us to accelerate the launch of new product ranges,” he said.

Furthermore, Ken Greene, the Managing Director of Greene Farm Foods said he was excited by the new horizons afforded by this Kepak-Oliver Carty investment in Greene Farm Foods.

“We will continue to be specialist producers of premium sliced cooked meats, and in particular we will continue to develop the “Greene Farm Brand”.

“It will also bring a new developmental dynamic to our site.

This investment will bring very significant new commercial opportunities for my company and it represents a great boost for all the staff at our flagship facility at Ballygarvey, Rathowen.

“I am particularly pleased that our new partners are committed to the further development of our product and customer portfolio. Greene Farm Foods can plan for the future with greater confidence and ambition,” he said.