BOYNE Valley Foods has acquired the Irish division of British food group Premier Foods for €41.4 million.

The troubled company behind Mr Kipling and Branston pickle today said it had been given extra breathing space by its banks to get its finances in order.

The UK’s largest food manufacturer today issued a profits warning as it revealed a slump in sales across well-known brands including Hovis.

The Bank of England’s latest quarterly inflation report will provide the economic highlight this week, while bookmaker Ladbrokes and retailer Thorntons are among those due to report on the London market.

Branston Pickle owner Premier Foods hailed the success of its Campbell’s acquisition today after revealing a 12.2% rise in annual profits.

BRITISH food manufacturer Premier Foods has bought jam maker Chivers after it sold it in a management buyout in 1999, it was confirmed last night.

Sales of meat alternative Quorn showed a sharp rise today after its new owner spent more money on advertising and launched new products.

US giant Heinz is expected to confirm today that it has bought the maker of HP sauces for €702m.

The owner of a Branston Pickle factory wrecked by a fire in October today estimated it lost at least £10m (€14.1m) in sales because of the blaze.

Strong sales of Branston Pickle and Typhoo Tea helped City newcomer Premier Foods to unwrap a healthy set of maiden results today.

Anglo-Dutch food group Unilever says it has agreed to sell its Ambrosia and Brown & Polson units to Premier Foods, in a deal worth £105m ( €153.8m).