The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has given permission for ABP to assume a majority share in Good Herdsman, giving ABP a sizeable chunk of Ireland's leading organic beef and lamb retailer.

ABP had already attained a 50% share in the Tipperary-based company, but in early September it announced its intention to take a bigger share portion.

Good Herdsman is the largest independent exporter of Irish organic meat, selling to Germany, France and several other countries. It has a processing plant in Cahir and buys live organic cattle from certified organic farms for slaughter.

This acquisition of a majority share in Good Herdsman will further advance ABP’s interests in Ireland, as it already has a 50% share in Slaney Foods and a 50% stake in Linden Foods.

The company also has interests in the UK, with 14 slaughtering and processing facilities there, and also two slaughtering facilities in Poland.

Good Herdsman director John Purcell will continue to operate and manage the business, retaining a significant shareholding.

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