Browns Food Group, a UK meats and seafood processor, has recently acquired local beef producer AK Stoddart in a substantial deal. The investment made by Browns into AK Stoddart is reported to be in the multi-million range, with the goal of propelling Browns to become “Scotland’s largest, privately-owned, meat business.”
As part of the acquisition, Browns aims to enhance its processing capacity and export capabilities, ultimately aiming to achieve a turnover of £300m ($380.3m) initially, with the potential to increase to £500m, supported by a dedicated investment program.
Previous owners of AK Stoddart included notable figures such as Colin Wright, the former chairman of sausages manufacturer JJ Tranfield Group, and Jeremy Carr from investment firm Energize Capital.
Julie Fancourt, the finance director at AK Stoddart, expressed the importance of finding a buyer that shared their values and vision, reinforcing the commitment to supporting the Scottish farming and agricultural community. Grant Moir, managing director at AK Stoddart, emphasized the continuity and stability that the acquisition by Browns would bring to their business.
Additionally, Browns Food Group, headquartered in Dumfriesshire, operates several manufacturing sites in the UK, producing a variety of cooked meats, salmon, and poultry products for both retail and foodservice sectors across Europe. Their portfolio includes renowned brands like Ocean Catch seafood, Hall’s chilled and frozen meats, and Wee Willie Winkie skinless sausages.
On the other hand, AK Stoddart, based in Ayrshire and West Lothian, specializes in supplying bone-in and boxed Aberdeen Angus beef to a global clientele. They also offer minced and diced beef under the AK Stoddart brand and provide private label services.
