A NORTH Yorkshire ice cream manufacturer is expanding its global presence after taking over Nestlé's South African frozen dessert business.

R&R Ice Cream, which famously makes Fab ice lollies from its factory in Leyburn, is looking to build on its position as the third largest ice cream manufacturer in the world with the latest deal, which bosses have described as a "major milestone" towards their goal of becoming a "leading global player in ice cream".

The acquisition, which is subject to approval from the South African Competition Commission, follows R&R's acquisition of Peters Food Group in Australia in May last year.

It marks the continuation of a manufacturing partnership with Nestlé, after R&R acquired its UK ice cream business in 2001.

Ibrahim Najafi, chief executive of R&R, said: "As a business we have enjoyed a successful partnership with Nestlé for nearly 15 years in the UK.

"This relationship was extended with the acquisition of Peters in Australia, also a former Nestlé business, and now we are looking forward to working together in South Africa."

Nestlé South Africa's ice cream business has a branded portfolio including traditional names such as Dairymaid, Country Fresh, Eskimo Pie and King Cone as well as Rolo and KitKat.

The business has a modern manufacturing facility with nine production lines at Clayville, Johannesburg and around 200 full-time employees.