By Justin Fenton
Enquirer staff writer

WEST CHESTER - Pierre Foods, a manufacturer of meat and bakery products, was bought Tuesday by Madison Dearborn Partners Inc. for an undisclosed amount.

The local company produces specialty beef, chicken and pork products and operates a bakery and sandwich assembly plant in Claremont, N.C. Pierre distributes its food products to national restaurant chains, primary and secondary schools, vendors and convenience stores.

Pierre Foods' sole shareholder, PF Management Inc., sold all its stock to Chicago-based MDP, a private investment company with about $8 billion of equity capital under management and a $4 billion investment fund.

Pierre employs 1,700 and reported $358.5 million in sales this past year, a 30 percent increase over the previous year.

Staying with Pierre will be president and chief executive officer Norbert E. Woodhams and senior vice president of sales and marketing Robert C. Naylor, as well as the rest of the management team.

"We are looking forward to sustained growth as we focus on the core values and teamwork that have made us a great organization," Woodhams said. "With the continued loyalty, dedication, hard work and leadership of our employees, the future looks bright indeed for Pierre."

In 2002, Pierre Foods sold 103 company owned and franchised steak houses and was taken private by PF Management.

E-mail jfenton@enquirer.com.