The completion of the ABP takeover of the former Scotbeef businesses at Bridge of Allan and Queenslie has been officially cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Following a statement from the CMA, the investigation has concluded, and the merger can be complete.
Earlier in the year, on July 29, the CMA raised an initial enforcement order that halted the deal while the merger was investigated by the authority. The reason for the investigation was to assess whether the acquisition would significantly reduce competition in the abattoir sector.
Industry leaders in the cattle and sheep sectors raised concerns that increased control by Irish owned ABP could make the processing sector less competitive. However, farmers also worried that if the takeover was stopped, then the overall processing capacity in Scotland could be reduced.
A statement from the government authority states: "The CMA has cleared the completed acquisition by Anglo Beef Processors UK of Scotbeef Limited’s businesses at Longleys Farm, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, and Penston Road, Queenslie, Glasgow."
Further details and comments on the decision are due to be published soon.
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