House of Raeford Farms of Rose Hill, North Carolina, announced this week that it has reached an agreement to purchase the business, operating assets, and trademark of Filet of Chicken Acquisition, LLC of Forest Park, Georgia, from Flagship Food Group, LLC. Additionally, the companies have entered into a long-term supply and joint marketing agreement. It is contemplated that the closing will take place no later than June 27, joining one of the nation’s top 10 chicken producers with a leading supplier of par-fried frozen chicken products, according to the House of Raeford press release.
“This will add a complete line of par-fried products to House of Raeford’s existing fully-cooked breaded, formed, whole muscle, roasted, and deli chicken, and turkey products produced in our three other cook plants,” said Bob Johnson, president and CEO of House of Raeford.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company will continue to operate as Filet of Chicken and House of Raeford will honor all existing Filet of Chicken suppliers and customer agreements and contracts. As an independent operating unit, the current Filet of Chicken management group will administer all purchasing and sales agreemenjts.
“We sincerely believe that this transaction is a win for all parties, from House of Raeford, which will acquire one of the leading facilities and teams in the further processing space, to the customers and suppliers of Filet of Chicken who will now be partnered with a leading poultry company that we highly respect,” said Rob Holland, CEO of the Flagship Food Group.
Filet of Chicken employs approximately 500 associates at their metro-Atlanta plant and currently produces among other items battered and breaded chicken nuggets and tenders; marinated and roasted wings; and IQF filets and tenders. The company serves many of North America’s most popular chain restaurants, grocery stores, and other foodservice distribution channels.
