Dunnes Stores is continuing its acquisitions streak with a proposed deal to buy two meat wholesaling businesses controlled by the family business of prominent Tipperary butcher Pat Whelan.

Dunnes, which recently bought the Café Sol chain of coffee shops with a view to expanding the brand nationwide, this week notified competition officials of its intention to acquire Whelan Food & Meat Processors and Tipperary Sustainable Food Company.

Mr Whelan also operates a chain of high-end butchers' shops, including outlets at several Avoca stores, but the these will reportedly not be part of the deal with Dunnes.

The sale to Dunnes has entered a preliminary phase one investigation under the rules of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The deadline for submissions is February 1st.

Dunnes recently completed its deal to buy the Café Sol chain, according to a separate CCPC notification. It is thought to be planning to incorporate the brand in-store in its busiest outlets.

It is unclear if Dunnes will attempt something similar with the Whelan businesses, or whether it is is simply a deal to consolidate its supply chain of fresh meat.