THE NORTHERN Ireland-based Tayto group has acquired the Staffordshire-based Jonathan Crisp brand, in a deal that marks its fourth major acquisition in three years.

The Co Armagh group bought Jonathan Crisp, the trading name of Natural Crisps Ltd, for an undisclosed sum.

It is understood the British company had been in difficulties and had out-sourced production of its crisps to Glennan’s, a family-owned business in Staffordshire.

John McQuaid, group sales director of Tayto, said the latest acquisition would position the Northern Ireland company to take advantage of further acquisition opportunities. “We have a very focused business plan to ensure that we are able to hold our own in the economic downturn.”

The group, which employs more than 1,000 people, is now estimated to be the third-biggest crisp and snack business in the UK. It produces more than six million bags of crisps and snacks a week at its headquarters in Tandragee.

In the last five years, Tayto, which is privately owned by the Hutchinson family, has increased its turnover from £15 million to £150 million. Two years ago Tayto bought the then struggling Golden Wonder crisp brand and saved more than 500 jobs in Scunthorpe and Corby in England.