ABP to acquire remaining 50% of Linden Food Group.

ABP has announced that it has reached agreement in principle with Fane Valley Co-op to acquire the remaining 50% holding in its red meat business, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory and competition authorities. The transaction includes Linden Foods in Northern Ireland and Slaney Foods and Irish Country Meats businesses in the Republic of Ireland. These businesses operated as an ABP/Fane Valley joint venture for the last 5 years. The businesses will continue to operate under their respective trading names for the foreseeable future and the sites will continue to operate as normal. The amount of the transaction is not disclosed.

Frank Stephenson, Chief Executive of ABP said: “This development is the direct result of our successful joint venture arrangement, which has enabled all parties to improve their offerings to customers and to compete more effectively nationally and internationally. The time is now right to build on this success ensuring that we continue to be a dynamic and innovative organisation as we face into the challenges of operating in a very competitive global marketplace; whilst also addressing the ongoing challenges of changing agricultural policies, Brexit and Covid-19.”

Trevor Lockhart, Chief Executive of Fane Valley commented, “The Linden, Slaney and ICM businesses have progressed positively during our joint venture relationship with ABP. The trading environment however does not stand still, and all businesses need to continue to evolve and develop to maintain their competitive position in the market. Having reviewed the way forward with our JV partner and taking account of anticipated market developments we have jointly concluded that the future objectives for Linden, Slaney and ICM can be best achieved under a new business structure, hence the aforementioned announcement. Business will continue as normal pending regulatory approval.”