Fish and meat paste giant Shippam's may soon be owned by a Japanese company.
The Chichester-based food firm, which was founded more than 200 years ago, is involved in talks with Liverpool-based Princes Foods, which may purchase the share capital of its parent company Beta Foods.
Princes is owned by the Mitsubishi International Corporation, an American-based subsidiary of the well known Japanese company.
A spokesman for Princes Foods said: "The companies are in talks with a view to Princes buying the share capital of Beta Foods, owners of Shippams."
It is not yet know what impact the takeover could have on the Shippam's factory in East Walls, Chichester, where some 250 people are employed.
In recent years there has been speculation that the company might sell its factory to be redeveloped for shops and homes and move to a new purpose-built plant on the outskirts of the city.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article