WARWICK, ENGLAND – Pilgrim’s UK announced that it would acquire lamb processor Randall Parker Foods (RPF). The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The two manufacturing facilities run by RPF process up to 20,000 lambs per week. Pilgrim’s plans to make the RPF plants part of the Dalehead Foods division.

All 350 RPF employees, including its management teams, will be retained by Pilgrim’s under the current terms and conditions. The company plans to invest further at both sites.  

“Randall Parker Foods has a strong reputation as a processor of quality lamb and having worked with Dalehead Foods for almost 30 of the 40 years we have been producing lamb products this acquisition is a natural fit for both organizations,” said Andrew Cracknell, chief executive officer at Pilgrim’s UK. “We look forward to working even more closely with the RPF teams whose energy, experience and enthusiasm, combined with the highest quality livestock, will offer customers and consumers a first-class supply chain for British lamb.”

The company said that the UK is the world’s fifth-largest producer and third-largest exporter of lamb and mutton. Pilgrim’s said the acquisition would help capitalize on the popularity of British lamb with export customers.

“I am delighted for the employees, customers and suppliers of RPF who have worked so hard to establish the company’s reputation as the preeminent specialist lamb processor in the UK,” said Jim Gaffney, managing director of RPF. “The future as part of Dalehead Foods looks both secure and exciting. I look forward to working with new colleagues and our customers to achieve our common goals.”