CMA investigates ABP purchase of two Scotbeef sites

The Competitions and Markets Authority are looking into ABP’s acquisition of the Bridge of Allan abattoir in Stirlingshire and the Queenslie meat packing plant in Glasgow from Scotbeef.

An initial enforcement order was made by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) on 29 July and the next stage will be a phase-one investigation.

However, no date has been set yet for when this decision will be made.

See also: ABP expands in Scotland with purchase of two Scotbeef sites

The companies first announced the acquisition of the two sites in mid-June and it was due to complete by the end of July.

When the acquisition was first announced, both NFU Scotland and the National Beef Association raised concerns about the consolidation of the meat-processing sector in Scotland.

However, both industry bodies welcomed the fact that the facilities were going to continue to operate.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said the acquisition was a significant concern to its membership.

Written representations about any competition or public interest issues related to this investigation can be sent to Jonathan Akinyemi at jonathan.akinyemi@cma.gov.uk.