A chilled food supply business has been snapped up by one of the industry's giants.

Swithenbank Foods, based on the Euroway industrial estate just off the M606 motorway, has been acquired by food delivery giant 3663, described as a "delivered wholesaler in the food service market", for an undisclosed figure.

3663, named after the numbers on a telephone key-pad which spells out 'food', bought Swithenbank to add to its massive distribution business across the UK. The new owner supplies food for the whole of the "eating-out-of-house sector", from restaurants and hotels to greasy spoon cafes, buying and supplying the food.

It is currently involved in a £19 million contract to supply food to the armed forces in the Gulf and now has 34 depots around the country. It is aiming for a £100 million turnover this year in chilled foods out of its £1 billion total business.

Swithenbank employs 180 staff and has 45 vehicles. A management team created in August 2001 is set to remain in place.

3663 chief executive Fred Barnes said: "Swithenbank Foods has developed an outstanding reputation for fresh produce, charcuterie and specialist provisions. The company's commitment to quality and service is in line with our own, and their product offering fits with our plans to become the UK's leading chilled and fresh foods distributor to the foodservice market."

Swithenbank - with £20 million turnover last year - owns bases in New Covent Garden, London, and just outside Paris.

The French base buys specialist French food - particularly charcuterie - and imports it into Britain through its Covent Garden operation. 3663 already supplies a range of what are described as "medium-life chilled products" through its multi-temperature and frozen wholesale divisions, but sees the development of the fresh foods business as a logical extension to the range of services it provides.

The acquisition takes 3663's sales of chilled and fresh foods to more than £100 million per annum. "We have looked at a number of acquisition opportunities," Mr Barnes said, "but finding businesses with the right strategic fit and which provide realistic financial returns is fundamental."

Mr Barnes said the Bradford business will be actively supported and developed.

"We have acquired this business with an eye to future expansion," Mr Barnes said. "This is clearly exciting news for the present management and staff."