Pictured above: Steve Smith

Stratford-based firm of chartered accountants Murphy Salisbury has advised on a deal involving the acquisition of one its business clients.

Rugby-based Browns Food Service, a highly respected national specialist catering butcher and a client of Murphy Salisbury since its inception, is now part of the Brakes Group, a leading food service business operating in the UK, France, Ireland and Sweden, with a turnover of £2.3 billion. The Brakes family includes M&J Seafood, Pauleys Fresh Produce and Wild Harvest, which supplies fine food to chefs.

Browns will continue to operate as a specialist business within the Brakes Group, retaining its individual identity, customers and product range. It will also continue to be managed by its current team, led by managing director and founder Andrew Dalton.

Browns was advised on the sale by Steve Smith, senior partner at Murphy Salisbury, who said: "I am pleased to have been able to assist in a deal which is hugely beneficial to both parties. As a result, they will be able to strengthen the service they can offer to customers."

Andrew Dalton, managing director of Browns Food Service, said: "It is great to be part of the Brakes Group. It is a very strong food service company and its business strengths and expertise will help us to offer our customers excellent products and service as well as providing new opportunities for the future."

Ian Goldsmith, Brakes Group chief operating officer, said: "I am delighted that through the acquisition of Browns Food Service, we are able to significantly strengthen our meat and butchery offer to customers."