Freshgrass Group, which owns 50% of Grassland Agro, will acquire outright ownership of Drummonds for an undisclosed sum. This transaction will be subject to regulatory approval.

The business was acquired from Greencore through a 50:50 joint venture between Liffey Mills and Freshgrass in 2009. In recent years the business has grown significantly.

Following a recent review at Liffey Mills, it decided to sell its 50% stake in the business to its joint venture partner, Freshgrass.

ADVERTISEMENT

Liffey Mills which is based in the midlands, is to focus on its own growth plans for its feed and retail businesses.

In 2013, Freshgrass, which is owned by Liam Woulfe and Thomas Brown, sold a 50% stake in Grassland Fertilisers, setting up Grassland Agro with the French fertiliser company Groupe Roullier.

It is understood that Drummonds will continue to operate as normal, with the current management structure, headed up by Michael Slattery.