The Eight Fifty Food Group, which owns pork processor Karro, has announced the acquisition of Irish food business Carroll’s Cuisine from Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI) for an undisclosed fee.
Carroll’s is a leading producer of cooked meats and convenience food in the Republic of Ireland, employing approximately 300 people at its site in Tullamore, Offaly. It will be integrated into Eight Fifty’s pork division, further expanding its presence in the Republic of Ireland following the acquisition of M&M Walshe in June 2020.
Carroll’s sliced cooked meat offering will complement M&M Walshe’s gammon, bacon and sous-vide meat products.
Upon completion of the transaction, which is subject to standard closing conditions and approval from the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Eight Fifty will have sales of around £1.9 billion and employ around 8,300 people across 23 manufacturing sites in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany and France.
Di Walker, CEO of Eight Fifty Food Group,said: “Eight Fifty are guardians of strong brands across multiple proteins and so we are delighted to add the Carroll’s business to our growing group. Like our Young’s brand in seafood, the Carroll’s name is synonymous with quality, value-added protein products. Carroll’s will be a great addition to our business”.
Commenting on behalf of Carroll’s, John Comerford, said: “The interest in Carroll’s is testament to the work that CCI and the entire Carroll’s management team have completed over the last five years. Through continuous investment and innovation, we have delivered the highest quality produce to our customer base. We’re excited to work with Eight Fifty and deliver their ambitious future growth plans”.
Jason Rodrigues, Partner, CapVest, which controls Eight Fifty, said: “Carroll’s is another great European addition to our growing portfolio and creates the premier integrated platform of value-added pork products in Ireland. We look forward to leveraging the Eight Fifty platform to further develop the business going forward.”