BRAKES, the Ashford-based catering supplier, continues its growth strategy under new owners American group Clayton Dubilier and Rice by snapping up a fruit and vegetable distributor.

For an undisclosed sum it has bought W Pauley and Co, based in Corby and with depots around the country.

The company, which supplies fresh produce to the food service market, has a turnover of more than £50 million and employs 400 people. It will keep its name.

"I am very excited about joining the Brakes team," said Pauley's managing director Roger Canham. "It will be good for our customers and our employees."

Nigel Terry, Brakes' UK sales managing director, said: "This is fantastic news for our customers and represents a very significant acquisition.

"It clearly demonstrates our new owners' commitment to not only maintaining our leading position in the marketplace, but also in driving the business forward."

Brakes, based at Enterprise House, Eureka Business Park, Ashford, has a turnover of £1.2 billion but recently announced job losses following restructuring.

The company is a major supplier of frozen, fresh and ambient foods to caterers across the UK. It is also the second largest food service player in the frozen and chilled sectors in France.