U.S giant H.J. Heinz Co. has acquired the HP Foods brand unit in a deal worth $855 million (470 million pounds).

The acquisition of HP Foods, part of French Group Danone's sauces units and best known for Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce and brown sauces including Daddies and HP, makes Heinz the top sauce-maker in the U.K.
France Danone will now focus on Actimel, Volvic and Evian drinks sales.

The ketchup-to-baked beans company has competed in the HP Foods deal with its UK prestigious rivals Premier Foods, McCormick & Co. and Associated British Foods.

The new deal, previously announced by Financial Mail, allows the Pittsburgh-based company to benefit from the right to sell Amoy sauces and products in Europe.