"We bought Grampian with the aim of investing in the entire business," added spokesperson Emma Cantrill.

"VION has a strong record in doing exactly this with its previous UK acquisitions. However, in the short term it will be business as usual at Cookstown. The Competition Commission has yet to give its opinion on the deal reached between VION and Grampian."

However, on the basis that no obstacles will be flagged up by the Commission, the new VION UK management team is already working on a business plan to take all of Grampian's existing businesses forward, reports Farming Life.

The acquisition of the Grampian group sees VION strengthen its UK position, where it has successful operations in the fresh pork, bacon and sausage markets.

VION is one of Europe's largest food companies. Its roots lie in the agricultural and meat sectors and it has strong ties there.

VION holds a central position in the supply chain and translates market and consumer developments to the agricultural sector. VION thereby provides an active contribution to and investment in a sustainable future for the agricultural sectors in Holland, Germany and the UK.

In the UK, VION currently has four business operations. Key Country Foods is a major UK retail bacon processor. VION also has a majority share in J&J Tranfield, a leading supplier and manufacturer of pizza and sausages. VION Food UK Ltd is responsible for the sales of bacon, fresh pork, beef and convenience products to the UK market. VION company Oerlemans Foods offers fresh frozen vegetables, potato products and fruit through its UK sales office.

View the Farming Life story by clicking here.