CHICAGO – Peer Foods Group, Inc. acquired Emge Foods, LLC, an Indiana-based processed meats company specializing in retail branded hams, bacon, hot dogs, sausage and other items.

The acquisition allows Peer Foods to expand its portfolio of brands. Customers can now buy Emge, Mariah and Peer Foods labels in one order and delivery, according to Peer Foods. The deal also gives Peer Foods and Mariah Foods, Inc. significantly increased manufacturing capacity in Indiana.

Emge Foods products are available nationally. The company is known for its sausage, hot dogs, bologna and specialty bacon and ham. Chicago-based Peer Foods was founded in 1867, and was one of the first meat companies in the US to use refrigeration to sell fresh-cut meat year-round.