Moy Park — the North’s largest private-sector employer and one of the leading poultry producers in Europe — has changed ownership as part of a $1.5 billion (€1.3bn) takeover deal.

Spice Burger manufacturer Walsh Family Foods is expected to expand its Dublin staffing levels following its acquisition by the European arm of US food group Keystone Foods.

CHICKEN processor Moy Park has acquired O’Kane Poultry in a €30 million deal that will result in an operation with a combined staff of 8,500.