Foodservice distributorJake’s Finer Foods, Houston, said it expects by April  to purchase certain assets ofGourmet Ranch, a processor of beef, poultry, lamb, veal, pork, wild game and other specialty products. Founded in 2000, Gourmet Ranch also is based in Houston.

Officials said the deal "will greatly expand Jake’s catalog of product offerings, and will provide considerable strength to Jake’s ability to service the critical 'center-of-the-plate' foodservice needs of its customers."