Arkansas Business

Tyson Mexican Original Inc., a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale, said Friday that it has acquired the assets of Don Julio Foods of Clearfield, Utah.

The publicly traded meat processor did not release financial details of the transaction. Don Julio, which makes flour and corn tortillas and snacks, sells products to retailers throughout the country under the Don Julio Authentic and Clover Club brands.

In a statement, Tyson Foods said its Mexican Original subsidiary is the second largest manufacturer of tortillas in the country, with a majority of its sales to foodservice customers. It said Friday's acquisition will put the company’s products on grocery store shelves throughout the United States.

"Don Julio is an example of a brand that’s the right fit for Tyson Foods,” Tyson Foods CEO Donnie Smith said in a news release. "The people are great, the business expands on an existing tortilla business where we already have expertise and it will allow us to offer our retail customers another product with a loyal consumer following."

Don Julio's management team, which includes Nate Fisher, son of the company's founder, will continue to manage the operation, Tyson said.

Don Julio employs about 50 people, "the majority of whom are expected to become Tyson team members," the company said.

The acquisition includes all brands marketed by Don Julio, equipment and related assets.