An independent inquiry group has provisionally cleared Boparan’s deal to buy ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mills in an interim report published today.
The Competition and Markets Authority’s independent inquiry group has provisionally cleared Boparan’s proposed purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mill sites, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
ForFarmers and Boparan, a subsidiary of which is the w2 Sisters For Group which iterates in Scunthorpe, both make and supply poultry feed in the UK.
The inquiry group’s investigation has provisionally found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill site could reduce the capacity available to manufacture chicken feed for chicken suppliers in the area around the mill in East Anglia. However, these suppliers will still have choice and the option to switch providers due to competition from other chicken feed providers in the market. Therefore, the inquiry group does not believe the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition as a result.
Kirstin Baker, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Having assessed the evidence, we have provisionally found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill does not raise competition concerns. We’re reassured by the evidence which shows that farmers and chicken suppliers in the UK will continue to have options when it comes to choosing chicken feed providers, should the deal go ahead.
“We’re now seeking feedback and views on our interim report before reaching a final decision.”
