Highland Game buys out rival and sets sights on expansion

SCOTTISH venison processor Highland Game is set to double the size of its business to become the UK's biggest game supplier after buying out English rival, Rick Bestwick.

The takeover, for an undisclosed sum, will more than double Highland Game's turnover to 10 million.

The acquisition would pave the way for the company to expand further as it had previously been held back by a shortage of supply, said managing director Christian Nissen.

"As a result of our success, we got to the situation where we had too much demand for the raw material.

"We'll now be able to fulfil orders that we couldn't complete before."

Highland Game's increased market share will increase the production and supply of venison that is farmed in the UK, resulting in less being brought in from New Zealand, said Nissen.

Nissen said the Rick Bestwick brand, founded 35 years ago, will eventually be wound up.

"The Highland Game brand is what we are renowned for. It is a brand recognised in retailers and wholesalers so everything will be branded under one name," said Nissen.

Headquarters for the Chesterfield-based business, which employs 30, will be relocated to Dundee and the firm is negotiating with staff.

Highland Game supplies game to 560 UK stores including Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.