Tayto (Northern Ireland) has bought one of the crisp brands formerly owned by Golden Wonder which went into administration earlier this week in the UK.

Tayto (Northern Ireland), which has no connection to Tayto in the South although both produce the eponymous crisps, has taken control of the Pringles Mini brand. The cost of acquiring the brand and site was not disclosed.

The acquisition, which will see manufacturing continue at the Corby, Northamptonshire site, will safeguard almost 200 of the 350 jobs there. It is not clear what will happen to the remaining jobs. Golden Wonder called in administrator Kroll on Monday after struggling to compete with larger rivals like Walkers.

Tayto (Northern Ireland), which employs 350 staff at its base in Tandragee, Co Armagh, said the move was a major boost for its growth plans. Managing director Stephen Hutchinson said: "Pringles Minis have only recently been launched in the UK and Ireland and the Corby business is the only one in the world manufacturing this new product."

The problems experienced by Golden Wonder came at a time when sales in the crisps and snacks market slumped in the UK amid growing concerns over health issues such as obesity and levels of salt intake.

Administrators are trying to find bidders for other parts of Golden Wonder, which produce snacks such as Nik-Naks, Wheat Crunchies and Ringos, employing a total of 850 staff. -

(Additional reporting by PA)