HEREFORDSHIRE crisp maker Tyrrells has agreed to be bought by an American snack firm in a £300million deal.

Amplify Snacks Brands Inc, best known for its SkinnyPop popcorn brand, has acquired the company, it has been announced today.

Founded at Tyrrells Court Farm in 2002, Tyrrells is an award-winning, manufacturer of premium hand-cooked potato and vegetable crisps, popcorn and other savoury snacks.

David Milner, CEO of Tyrrells, said:“This is a terrific deal for Tyrrells and the team who have delivered a stellar performance over the last few years.

"As a small, UK farm-based business it is a tremendous achievement to be now part of a US publicly-traded company with the international reach to make Tyrrells a global brand”.

The value of Tyrrells has tripled in the last three years since it was acquired by Investcorp for £100million in 2013.

Sales and EBITDA have more than doubled and employee numbers have grown by more than 70% globally - 30% are new positions created in the UK.

In the last 12 months Tyrrells has grown organically and through acquisitions in Australia and Germany, further expanding its better-for-you snacking portfolio into organic and gluten-free.

International markets now account for close to 40% of revenues compared to 20% three years ago.

Amplify Snack Brands is a major player in the rapidly expanding Better-For-You snacking category in the US.

IRI data shows that in the last year SkinnyPop grew 35.3% to over $203 million and remains one of the fastest growing ready-to-eat popcorn brands in North America.

In the UK, Tyrrells' Poshcorn, has become one of the biggest brands in the fast growing ready-to-eat popcorn sector.

The deal means the Tyrrells range in the US, the largest global market for snacks, will benefit from the experience and knowledge of the Amplify team who are experts in growing premium brands in North America.

All other non-North American territories, including the international launch of SkinnyPop, will be managed by the existing, UK-based Tyrrells team.

David Milner, CEO of Tyrrells, will become President International of Amplify upon completion of the transaction.

Tom Ennis, Amplify’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "The product characteristics and flavour profiles of Tyrrells on-trend premium brands align with Amplify’s Better-For-You snacking strategy.

"Our two brands are examples of strong entrepreneurial spirit with successful track records in transforming categories and creating growth brands.

"Together we plan to capitalise on each company’s market leadership and sales force capabilities to drive higher revenue growth than either company could independently accomplish."