Pork specialist Cranswick has acquired the family-owned pork business Bowes of Norfolk for £17.2m.

On completion of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, the pig-rearing business of Bowes of Norfolk will be sold to a management buy-out team comprising members of the Bowes family and company directors. The new business will then supply pigs to Cranswick.

“Bowes is a significant operator in the pig-meat processing sector and the acquisition reinforces Cranswick’s position in the industry,” said Cranswick chief executive Martin Davey.

“The business will continue as a separate operation within Cranswick with its own management team.”

Bowes, which is based in Watton, has been involved in arable farming, pig rearing and meat processing since 1957.