27 Mar 2017
Corporate Finance Dublin advises CapVest on potential acquisition of meat processor, Karro
Funds advised by CapVest Partners LLP (“CapVest”) have today announced the proposed acquisition of Karro Food Group (“Karro”), the leading supplier of British pork into the retail, trade and foodservice industries, from Endless LLP (“Endless”).
The deal is subject to normal closing conditions and approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the “CCPC”) in Ireland. Details of the transaction are not disclosed.
Following its acquisition from VION in January 2013, private equity house Endless and the Karro management team have successfully transformed the group into a highly profitable, dynamic and well respected player in the domestic and international pork market. The deal will see the Karro management team, including Executive Chair Di Walker, remain with the business.
Jason Rodrigues, Managing Director of CapVest, said: “Karro is a great fit with CapVest’s overall investment strategy. The Group has established a leading position in the processing and sale of British pork for which we believe the long-term fundamentals are very strong.
“We are delighted to back a very experienced and capable management team and we look forward to working closely with them in pursuing exciting new organic and acquisition-led growth opportunities.”
CapVest was advised by Investec Corporate Finance (Ireland) (corporate finance), Kirkland & Ellis (legal), KPMG (financial and tax due diligence) and EY (debt advisory). Debt financing was provided by Pemberton and Lloyds Bank.
About Karro
Karro Food Group is a British pork producer with annual turnover of over £500 million. The company supplies fresh pork and cured, cooked and frozen meats to retail, foodservice and manufacturing customers, and has a reputation for high welfare standards and high quality pork produce. Headquartered in Malton, North Yorkshire, Karro employs around 3,100 people across the UK and has divisions in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
About CapVest
CapVest, which was established in 1999, is a leading private equity firm with a strong record of success. The firm’s investment strategy is focussed on identifying and managing investments in companies supplying essential goods and services. A patient investor, CapVest works closely with management to transform the size and scale of its investee companies through a combination of organic and acquisition-led growth.