£6 million company hatches after egg merger

TWO of the North West's leading egg suppliers have merged, creating a cracking opportunity for new jobs in the region, according to the business advisors that brokered the deal.

J Rainford & Sons Ltd (Rainfords), a family business that employs 30 people at its Hatchwood site at Brindle, Chorley, has merged with W. A. McHardy & Son Ltd (McHardys) of Milnthorpe, Cumbria.

The Preston office of Lancashire chartered accountants and business advisors, Moore and Smalley, advised Rainfords on the deal. Rob Salter, senior partner, who headed the team, said: "The merger is not just about bringing two businesses together; it is a merger of identical ideas for the future. This new company is perfectly placed for expansion and job creation.

"The families have known each other for years and have an excellent relationship so the merger is completely the right way forward and will give both companies the scope to expand and service the whole region."

Rainfords was established over 70 years ago and has a turnover of £4.5 million. McHardys, which employ 15 people, has been in operation since 1948 and has a turnover of £1.5 million.

900,000 eggs are produced by 160,000 chickens at the Hatchwood site each week and the merger will see this increase to 1.75 million when the plant reaches full capacity. Currently re-modernising work is being completed on two units at the site.

Bill Holmes, managing director of Rainfords, said: "Our main goal at the moment is to utilise the resources that we already have. In the future we will have the opportunity to pitch for bigger contracts which will eventually lead to more jobs and possible expansion, which is great news for our business, employees and the local economy."

The two companies will now trade under the Rainfords name and all production will take place at the 46 acre Hatchwood site, with a distribution centre based in Cumbria. Rainfords will continue supplying Lion quality eggs to major supermarkets and smaller retailers across the North West.

John Chesworth, of Harrison Drury & Co Solicitors, Preston, was the legal advisor to Rainfords. Simon Lord, of Wright & Lord Solicitors, was the legal advisor to McHardys. Michael Proudfoot of, the Kendal office, of Lonsdale & Partners chartered accountants and business advisors, advised McHardys on the deal.