Cranswick ‘back to future’ with deal

EAP breeds and rears premium British pigs and has accreditation from welfare systems operated by the RSPCA Freedom Foods and the Red Tractor scheme.

The company is already a key supplier to Cranswick and will continue as a separate entity with its own management team. In March 2012, EAP had gross assets of £11.8m.

Cranswick said this is a strategic acquisition that demonstrates its commitment to a robust supply chain that focuses on premium, British ingredients. It added that the acquisition will give the group’s customers and UK consumers further assurances about the provenance and quality of its products.

Analyst Clive Black at Shore Capital described the acquisition as a logical and welcome move.

“In many respects this modest deal represents Cranswick returning to some of its agricultural roots, albeit in a very different commercial world – Cranswick going back to the future,” he said.