Crossgar Foodservice bought by US firm Sysco
County Down firm Crossgar Foodservice is being bought by a US-based company.
Sysco wants to expand its presence on the island of Ireland, and made the acquisition through its subsidiary, County Limerick firm Pallas Foods.
Crossgar Foodservice employs 238 people and has four facilities in Northern Ireland.
Sysco said the company would retain its brand identity and the management team would remain in place.
Crossgar Foodservice chairman Gerald Bell said: "The transaction provides the business with a number of benefits, namely enhanced distribution and wider product choice for our customers."
Sysco group president Mike Green said they were acquiring "a strong company with excellent customer relationships".
"This investment, along with the acquisition of Pallas Foods in 2009, represents our commitment to the Ireland market and provides us additional strategic opportunities," he said.
The deal is subject to Competition Authority approval in the Republic of Ireland, and financial details were not disclosed.
Crossgar's product range includes poultry, meat, chilled, frozen, grocery and non-food items, which are sold throughout the island of Ireland and Great Britain.