Karnova Food Group emerged in 2024, following the strategic acquisition and integration of Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray by the private equity firm Endless.
Both Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray are specialists in supplying prepared meat products. As a result of this merger, the combined entity boasts revenues exceeding £135 million.
Di Walker, chair of Karnova, commended Endless for its pivotal role in fostering business growth.
“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 remarked.
“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 operates as a privately-owned business with 67 manufacturing facilities across 16 countries. It employs 20,000 people while supplying customers in 77 countries.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Karnova into the OSI family,” stated 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 expressed that the timing of the deal was unexpected but extended his best wishes to the Karnova team for their future endeavors.
“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 market-leading reputation. We wish the whole Karnova team all the best for the future.”
Endless received guidance on the sale from Paul Satchell of Spayne Lindsay and Giles Chesher of Squire Patton Boggs, with vendor assistance provided by Chris Stott of KPMG.
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