Lexington, Ky.-based Laura's Lean Beef was sold to Colorado-based Meyer Natural Angus on Dec. 28, making the combined companies among the largest suppliers of beef raised without antibiotics or growth hormones.

"We've kind of combined forces," Chris Anderson, marketing director for Laura's Lean Beef, told Meatingplace.com. "We're going to remain totally independent and operate just as we've been doing."

Laura's Lean Beef will continue to operate at its Lexington location, with founder Laura Freeman acting as a consultant to the company and John Tobe continuing on as chairman of the board.

The companies will combine for improved cattle procurement, processing, logistical and other efficiencies, while maintaining mostly independent control over their individual products.

By Lindsey Klingele on 1/15/2008 for Meatingplace.com