ABP Group acquires stake in Yorkshire beef processor Dovecote Park
ABP has secured the stake through the purchase of Benoni Holding Corporation, which previously held an interest in the processor.
UK – ABP Group has acquired a minority stake in Yorkshire-based beef processor Dovecote Park as it expands its involvement in the premium British beef market.
The Irish-owned food group has not disclosed details of the investment or publicly commented on the transaction, which gives it a position in Dovecote Park through the acquisition of Benoni Holding Corporation.
Benoni previously held a minority shareholding in Dovecote Park and its acquisition by ABP has resulted in a change in the ultimate ownership of the investment.
The board of Extra Detail Ltd, the group that ultimately controls Dovecote Park, confirmed the ownership change in a statement issued to Agriland.
According to the board, ABP’s purchase of Benoni is intended as a long-term strategic investment, with the group now represented on the boards of Extra Detail Ltd and its subsidiary companies.
The directors said Benoni would remain a minority shareholder and support Dovecote Park’s strategic plans while the existing board and management retain responsibility for running and developing the business.
ABP gains access to premium beef business
The transaction adds Dovecote Park to ABP Group’s existing UK operations, which cover activities including livestock rearing, meat processing and the production of grass-fed beef and lamb.
ABP already operates several premium meat brands in the UK, while the Dovecote Park business provides another route into the higher-end British beef segment.
Established in 1997, Dovecote Park supplies British beef, veal and venison to customers across retail, fine dining and food service markets.
The company has developed a significant retail presence through its supply agreement with Waitrose, providing beef for the butcher’s counters across the supermarket chain.
Its customer base also includes food service and hospitality businesses such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Burger King and Wentbridge House.
ABP director joins Dovecote Park board
Further evidence of ABP’s involvement emerged through Companies House records, which show that ABP executive Tom Kirwan was appointed as a director of Dovecote Park on June 16.
The appointment follows the acquisition of Benoni Holding Corporation and gives ABP direct representation within the corporate structure overseeing Dovecote Park.
While ABP has yet to provide a public statement on the investment, the Extra Detail board said the existing management team would continue to have the authority to operate and develop the Dovecote Park business.
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