A YORK-based food company bought out of administration earlier this year has acquired sports nutrition brand Kings Biltong.

Created by brothers, and former England Rugby representatives, Charlie, Mark and James Simpson-Daniel, Kings Biltong was founded in 2012 and produces high-protein air-dried beef snacks from its base in Malton.

The business has been acquired by New World Foods Europe for an undisclosed sum, in a deal which will see Kings Biltong's operation relocate to the outskirts of York.

New World Foods Europe was created earlier this year when Australian-based Mariani Foods bought York firm Bare Earth out of administration in February.

The move saved 13 jobs and saw Mariani Foods Europe division combine with Bare Earth to form New World Foods Europe.

Following the recent deal, New World Foods Europe will integrate the production of Kings Biltong into its Moor Monkton headquarters and work towards securing nationwide grocery listings for the brand.

Kings Biltong director Charlie Simpson-Daniel said: "We’re thrilled to have shaken hands with Roland and the team at New World Foods Europe.

"It’s a progressive move that will allow us to cater for the increasing consumer demand for Kings Biltong.

"The deal is the perfect fit for Kings Biltong; New World Foods Europe share our ethos for producing high quality, great tasting products and with its manufacturing experience together we can take Kings Biltong to the next level."

Kings Biltong is the official supplier of Gloucester Rugby, Yorkshire CCC and Lancashire CCC, while New World Foods Europe current UK product range portfolio includes Mariani Soft Beef Jerky and Bare Earth biltong.

Together the new combined business will have a turnover of £2 million, and an expected market share of 20 per cent for New World Foods Europe.

New World Foods Europe managing director Roland Froebel said: "We were tremendously impressed when we met Charlie, not just in the product itself, but with his passion, drive and vision for King’s Biltong. He will be a great addition to the team we’re building at New World Foods.

"Their enthusiasm for their product was infectious and is something that we share. We thoroughly believe that King’s Biltong has incredible potential to fill a gap in the market for a great tasting, British protein-packed snack, and become a category leader."

The deal was overseen by York-based Langley’s Solicitors.