Niman Ranch, a pioneer of naturally raised meats, on Friday announced it will merge with an affiliate of its largest shareholder, Natural Food Holdings, for undisclosed financial terms.

The merger will give Niman Ranch an infusion of funding to help the Alameda, Calif.-based company expand its network of family farmers and ranchers.

"Our mission at Niman Ranch is to partner with U.S. family farmers and ranchers that raise livestock humanely and sustainably, and bring better-tasting, natural beef, pork, lamb and chicken to market," said Jeff Swain, Niman Ranch CEO, in a statement.