A decision on the ABP proposal to acquire the Allen shares in Slaney is due this Friday, following notification to the EU competition authority (DG Comp) on 2 September.

ABP and the other shareholder in Slaney, Northern Ireland-based farmer-owned co-op Fane Valley, have been pursuing this venture since the end of last year.

Opposition

It has met widespread farmer opposition, with the IFA commissioning a comprehensive report on how the proposed deal would reduce the competition for cattle, particularly steers and heifers in the south Leinster region.

Fane Valley and ABP disagree and say that the proposed joint venture would give Slaney enhanced access to markets for the beef and lamb produced across their beef and lamb sites. Much work is done behind the scenes before a proposed merger to takeover is formally presented to DG Comp and 90% are typically approved at this stage.

However, if DG Comp finds issues that require further investigation, it can initiate a deeper three-month investigation before coming to a conclusion.