Galway meat processor aims to take over competing firm

A meat processor in Co. Galway, Sean Loughnane Ltd, has put plans in motion to take over competing firm Crinkle Fine Foods.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) was notified of the proposed acquisition on Thursday, June 29.

Both companies are involved in the production and distribution of cooked meats and breakfast products, according to the merger notification published by the CCPC.

Crinkle Fine Foods runs Co. Offaly brand Rudd’s, a firm which would be in direct competition with Loughnane’s for the production of sausages, as well as black and white pudding.

The O’Brien Fine Foods group, a family-owned business based in Co. Kildare, currently owns Crinkle Fine Foods. Alongside Rudd’s, O’Brien Fine Foods can count Brady Family Ham among its other brands.

Father-son duo, William and John O’Brien, took over Rudd’s in 2005. The proposed merger will have to get the approval of the CCPC before it can be completed.

No details relating to an acquisition fee have been revealed by either party as of yet.

Loughnane’s is also a family-owned company which was originally set up by Sean Loughnane in 1975. The business developed over time and in 2001 the focus changed to manufacturing, particularly sausages and breakfast puddings for the food-service and retail markets.

Claiming to be one of Ireland’s largest sausage and pudding producers, Loughnane’s sells its products to both the Irish and international retail markets.

Major merger

Meanwhile, the proposed merger of Dawn Meats and Dunbia is still being investigated by the CCPC, having first been notified to the commission on Friday, June 16.

As part of the transaction, Dawn Meats reportedly agreed a strategic partnership with Dunbia to establish a majority-owned joint venture in the UK; which will comprise the UK operations of both organisations.

In the Republic of Ireland, Dawn Meats will separately acquire Dunbia’s operations. If this deal receives the green light, Dawn Meats will have nine facilities – including five abattoirs – in the south of Ireland.

This will follow the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities; one abattoir in Slane, Co. Meath, and one boning hall in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

It is expected that the combined UK businesses will trade as Dunbia. It is hoped it will deliver enhanced scale and market presence, in order to better serve existing farmer suppliers and customers of both organisations across the retail, manufacturing, wholesale and food-service sectors.