The Kepak Group, one of the largest meat processors in Ireland, has agreed terms to acquire John Kelly Meats, which is based in Drumquin, Co. Clare.

According to Kepak, the planned acquisition is subject to normal due diligence and to the statutory approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

The acquisition will see Kepak take control of the family owned beef processing business, which markets its output both domestically and in European Union markets.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sean Coffey, CEO of the Kepak Meat Division said Kepak is looking forward to developing its procurement capacity in the Clare catchment area, which is one of the most populous suckler-beef counties in Ireland.

“The acquisition comes after a number of years trading with John Kelly Meats.

The acquisition will add another strategic block to the spread of Kepak abattoirs across Ireland in well-established quality beef producing regions.

“The additional capacity and its potential for further development will enable our Meat Division to grow its business with our partner customers.

“Kepak looks forward to collaboratively working with local beef producers, the Kelly’s Team and to building on the successful business founded by Mr John Kelly,” he said.

The addition of the facility in Co. Clare will add to Kepak’s processing capabilities, which currently stands at approximately 250,000 head of cattle, 800,000 lambs and 300,000 pigs.

The Meath-based company has an annual turnover in the region of €750m and employs more than 2,000 people across its manufacturing facilities located across Ireland and the UK.