Heinz has acquired the maker of HP sauce in a £470 million deal.

The US food giant made the purchase of HP Foods from French group Danone and is rumoured to have beaten off UK opposition from rivals Premier Foods and Associated British Foods.

The acquisition is part of Heinz's strategy to focus on ketchups, condiments and sauces.

HP Foods also makes sauces under the Lea & Perrins brand and its brand portfolio includes Amoy, Daddies and Rajah.

"This acquisition underscores our commitment to become a faster-growing, more focused company," said Heinz president and chief executive William Johnson.