JBS-owned Pilgrim’s Europe agrees to buy UK premium pork producer Walkers
Pilgrim’s Europe has agreed to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company, a Leicester-based producer of premium pork foods employing about 1,150 people. The undisclosed transaction remains subject to UK competition approval and required employment procedures.
Deal targets premium processed pork
Pilgrim’s Europe, the European business of Pilgrim’s controlled by Brazil’s JBS, has agreed to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company, a British manufacturer of premium pork products. Brasil 247 reported that the transaction is intended to expand Pilgrim’s position in the UK food market and strengthen its presence in higher-value pork categories. The companies did not disclose the purchase price or other financial terms.
The acquisition remains subject to approval by the UK competition authority and completion of the country’s required employment procedures. Closing is therefore conditional on both regulatory and labor-related requirements. Until those processes are completed, Walkers will remain a separate business and the timetable for integrating its production assets and commercial operations is uncertain.
Four production units in Leicester
Founded in 1824, Walkers operates four production units located within a single complex in Leicester, England. The business employs about 1,150 people and supplies major British retail chains. Its portfolio includes premium sausages, sliced cooked meats, cooked bacon, ready-to-eat products and pâtés. Walkers also manufactures higher-value food sold under retailers’ private labels, giving Pilgrim’s exposure to established supermarket relationships as well as additional processing capacity.
The companies already have a commercial connection: Pilgrim’s supplies part of the pork processed by Walkers. Pilgrim’s said ownership of the manufacturer would reinforce its integrated supply chain and broaden its capabilities in value-added foods. Chief Executive Fabio Sandri said the deal would strengthen the group’s European platform, expand those capabilities and support its long-term growth plans. Pilgrim’s Europe President Ivan Siqueira highlighted Walkers’ workforce, operating history and reputation for quality and innovation.
Seller redirects investment
Walkers’ owner, Samworth Brothers, said the disposal would allow it to concentrate investment in other areas. Its priorities include food for out-of-home consumption, savory pastry, ready meals and branded products. Samworth Brothers has annual revenue of £1.8 billion, but it did not provide financial details for the sale. The lack of a disclosed valuation prevents a direct assessment of the price paid for Walkers’ workforce, retail contracts, brands and Leicester manufacturing complex.
Pilgrim’s Europe currently operates more than 40 facilities across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the Netherlands, with activities spanning chicken, pork, lamb and beef. Walkers would add a specialized British processed-meat platform to that network. For retailers and suppliers, the transaction could place more stages of pork procurement, processing and private-label production within the same corporate group. The immediate effect, however, depends on the UK competition review and employment procedures. If approved, the acquisition will deepen Pilgrim’s presence in premium processed pork and increase the importance of its UK value-added food operations.
