The beautiful 6.5-acre site, which includes medieval courtyards, a chapel, cloister and gardens, lies just behind an unassuming gate just a few metres from SmithfieldMarket in the heart of the hectic City of London.
People involved in the deal said it could open China's market more to Smithfield sausage, hams and other meat, instead of paving the way for broadening channels into the U.S. for the Chinese company's products.