THIRSK sausage producer Manor Born Limited has been bought out by privately-owned Sheffield food manufacturer J & J Tranfield Ltd.

The takeover, for an undisclosed sum, comprises ownership of Manor Born's Debbie & Andrew's brand, which is listed by most major supermarket chains.

The brand also has exclusive licensing agreements with household names such as Heinz and Colmans Mustard.

Both companies will continue to operate separately under their existing management structures with Manor Born's previous owners, Andrew and Debbie

Keeble, retained by the business.

The acquisition also safeguards 20 staff employed by the firm.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, December 09, 2005