Barber Foods Acquired By AdvancePierre Foods

Manufacturing of Barber chicken entrees will continue in Portland

Portland, ME -- David Barber announced today that family-owned Barber Foods has been acquired by AdvancePierre Foods. Manufacturing of Barber Foods' delicious chicken entrees will continue at the company's Portland facilities.

"Since 1955 when my father started the company until today, our family has been proud of everyone who has contributed to making Barber Foods the premier manufacturer of stuffed chicken breasts in the world. We have met many challenges and made significant achievements," said David Barber, son of the founder of Barber Foods and its current President.

"As the food industry continues to consolidate and bigger players emerge, it was the right time for Barber Foods to join forces with a growing industry leader like AdvancePierre. My father always said: ‘if you find the right partner, don't miss the opportunity, '" Barber continued. "AdvancePierre Foods shares our foundational principles of safety, quality, service and productivity leading to growth. The company will accelerate growth and ensure the long term prosperity of the Barber Foods brand."

AdvancePierre Foods is the result of a merger in October, 2010, between industry leaders Pierre Foods, Advance Food Company and Advance Brands. The combined company is a leading supplier of value-added protein and handheld convenience products to the foodservice, school, retail, club, vending and convenience store market. AdvancePierre offers a full line of packaged sandwiches, fully-cooked chicken and beef products, Philly-style steak, raw breaded beef, pork and poultry, and bakery products.

"The high-quality products, top-notch manufacturing facility and family values of Barber Foods makes it an excellent addition to AdvancePierre," said Bill Toler, CEO of AdvancePierre Foods. "We are very enthused about what Barber brings to our existing and future retail, food service and convenience business, as well as opportunities to expand our presence through their East Coast location."

The addition of Barber is expected to significantly increase AdvancePierre's retail business, especially on the East Coast and in Canada. AdvancePierre will be investing millions of dollars in the Barber manufacturing facility in Portland, and is adding it to its family of plants in Ohio, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina and Iowa.

Neither company is public, so financial details of the deal are not being disclosed.

SOURCE: Barber Foods