Karnova Food Group was created in 2024 following the acquisition and integration of Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray by private equity firm Endless.
Both Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray specialise in the supply of prepared meat products, with the combined business posting revenues of more than £135m.
Di Walker, chair of Karnova, praised Endless for its role in growing the business.
“Since Endless acquired both Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray, we have delivered significant growth with new and existing customers and focused hard on quality and service,” Walker said.
“Endless has been instrumental in helping us on this journey and we are very grateful for the true partnership and financial support they have given us. I am absolutely delighted that OSI have decided to acquire Karnova as it is a great strategic fit and they will be a fantastic long-term owner for the business and its employees.”
‘Significant opportunities’
Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, OSI Group is privately-owned business with 67 manufacturing facilities located in 16 countries. The firm employs 20,000 people and supplies customers in 77 countries.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Karnova into the OSI family,” said Katharine Haenelt, managing director of OSI’s UK division.
“We have been hugely impressed with how the business has developed under Endless’ ownership and see significant opportunities for further growth across the combined businesses.”
‘Proud’
Endless investment director James Warburton said that the timing of the deal came as a surprise, but wished the Karnova team the best for the future.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved with Karnova in a relatively short time period and have enjoyed working with the team,” he explained.
“We did not envisage selling Karnova this early but OSI made clear their ambitions for the business and they will be a fantastic long-term owner for the business with a marking leading reputation. We wish the whole Karnova team all the best for the future.”
Endless was advised on the sale by Paul Satchell of Spayne Lindsay and Giles Chesher of Squire Patton Boggs, with vendor assist provided by Chris Stott of KPMG.
