Smithfield Murray acquisition to create pre-prepared meat group

The deal will bring together Smithfield with Yorkshire Premier Meat (YPM) – acquired by endless almost one year ago – to form a combined group supplying raw poultry and pre-prepared meat ingredients to manufacturers across the country.

Endless backed the existing Smithfield Murray management team and founding shareholders Damien Murray and Martin Grady, who will continue to lead the business and drive its growth plans with Endless’ backing.

‘Transformational’

Di Walker, group chair and former Karro Foods chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Damien, Martin and the team at Smithfield Murray. Despite the challenges being faced in the poultry supply chain at this time, the business has proved itself to offer exceptional levels of service quality, and this investment alongside YPM is transformational for both businesses, with fantastic potential for growth and further follow-on investment.”​

Headquartered in the North West, Smithfield Murray supplies of prepared raw poultry to retail and food service manufacturers across the UK and Europe, which in turn supply international, national and regional retailers and food service companies. 

Future job creation

Smithfield Murray chief executive Damien Murray added: “It is fantastic to be joining forces with Endless and the YPM team. Everyone at Smithfield Murray has worked incredibly hard to create the quality of business we have today, and we’re excited about the job creation opportunities this investment will bring in the future. This also opens up exciting opportunities for growth, working closely with our loyal customers and suppliers.”​

The investment is the latest from Endless’ £400m Fund V and follows previous food manufacturing investments by Endless including Hovis, Bright Blue Foods and Karro.

Meanwhile, edible oils supplier KTC Edibles has acquired specialist margarine manufacturer Cardowan Creameries​​ for an undisclosed sum.