BARCELONA, SPAIN — Grupo Siro, a Spanish-based maker of biscuits, snacks, pasta, bakery, patisserie and bread, reached agreement to acquire three Spanish bakery production plants from Downers Grove, Ill.-based Sara Lee Corp.

The acquisition of the three plants, which are located at Briviesca (Burgos), Antequera (Malaga) and Aguimes (Gran Canaria) in Spain, will raise Grupo Siro’s work force to approximately 3,100 employees and give the company 14 production facilities.

"This transaction brings significant growth to Grupo Siro, allowing us to achieve our strategic plans ahead of schedule," said J.M. Gonzalez Serna, owner of Grupo Siro, which was founded in 1991.

Frank van Oers, chief executive officer of Sara Lee International Beverage and Bakery, said the sale is "terrific news" for the company, as it will allow Sara Lee to improve production economics and better supply its Spanish customers and consumers.

"This agreement enables the company to increase its investment behind key customer and consumer programs, while continuing to leverage a first-class, experienced workforce," Mr. van Oers said.

With the sale, Sara Lee’s Spanish bakery business will consist of eight production facilities, 55 distribution centers and 2,500 employees. The company said it will continue to own and market all of its Spanish bakery products, including its Bimbo brand.

The agreement is pending approval from the Spanish Competition Authorities.