Larry Goodman's beef processing firm Irish Food Processors (IFP) has acquired UK-based food company WA Turner for an undisclosed sum.

WA Turner, which produces chilled and frozen sausages and savoury bakery products for the retail market, will now operate with IFP's Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) group. ABP's subsidiary companies produce value-added and consumer-ready products for major retail multiples.

"This acquisition confirms our commitment to expanding our interest in consumer-ready products and to investing in the UK food market," IFP said in a release.

Chief executive of WA Turner Mark Roberts, who will retain his role as head of the UK firm, said the company's products were in "a growth area of the market" and that the deal with the ABP group would give the company the financial strength and skills to make the most of its potential.

WA Turner has been trading for more than 150 years in the UK. In July 2006, the company was acquired by WA Turner One, and the business and assets were subsequently transferred to three independent firms, with WA Turner acting as an agent for these companies.

According to its most recent annual report, WA Turner had turnover of more than £34.2 million (€45.9 million) in 2006.

IFP, which has 28 plants between Ireland and Britain, accounts for the processing of about 20 per cent of beef produced in the UK.