Feb 17, 2006 9:18 AM, from staff and wire reports

The United States meat snack operation of Premium Brands Income Fund has merged with Bellingham WA-based Hempler Foods. Hempler’s offers specialty sausage and premium processed meats brands, as well as a line of natural processed meat products.

Both firms will move their US production facilities into a new 28,000-square-foot facility in Ferndale WA. Premium Brands will acquire another 10% share in the merged entity for $580,000, giving it a 60% interest in the new company. The rest of the firm will be owned by Richard Hempler, Hempler’s chief executive officer; and Stephen Bates, Hempler's vice-president and general manager.

The combined entity will operate as Hempler Foods Group LLC.