DUNGANNON-BASED Westland Horticulture’s purchase of Cranswick Pet Products in Yorkshire, a leading manufacturer in the wild bird and small animal markets, flew under the radar this week.

There was, however, a local interest in the deal, with Davy Corporate Finance acting as lead adviser to Westland.

Cranswick supplies label and own-brand products to Tesco and and other retailers. With corporate activity in the Republic subdued to say the least, Davy is spreading its wings in search of mandates.

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is to sponsor the first ever Irish Charities Expo at the RDS on May 2nd.

David Lane, Ecclesiastical’s managing director in Ireland, told me it would be a “unique networking opportunity” for those involved in the charity sector. Ecclesiastical itself donates a significant proportion of its profits to charities.