John Henderson Group has acquired the foodservice division of rival J&J Haslett, Holmes Catering Services.

The deal, which consolidates Henderson’s position as the leading foodservice wholesaler in Northern Ireland, follows an earlier abortive attempt to buy the entire J&J Haslett business.

Hendersons is eyeing more acquisitions, said chairman John Agnew. “Through growth and development, we will be best placed to service our customers.” The company already owns foodservice division TNB, Spar wholesaler John Henderson, company-owned stores division Andrew Millar and Creland Properties.