Larry Goodman’s ABP Food Group is to acquire a 50% share of Linden Foods, the UK-based meat processing business controlled by Northern Ireland farmer co-op Fane Valley. The business will be a 50-50 joint venture between Fane Valley co-op and ABP going forward and will continue to trade as Linden Foods. No sale price has been disclosed.

Linden operates facilities in Dungannon and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and Burradon in the North of England.

Trevor Lockhart, chief executive of Fane Valley co-op, said the company already had a positive experience of working with ABP and was looking forward to building on the relationship.

“The involvement of ABP will strengthen our global sales network and assist in ensuring Linden maximises the returns from all parts of the animal, including the fifth quarter. This will be a pre-requisite to delivering sustainable returns to primary producers in a post-Brexit era,” added Lockhart.

Deepening relationship

ABP’s move to take a 50% share in Linden Foods makes sense as it further deepens its relationship with the Linden Foods business. ABP and Linden are the 50:50 owners of Slaney Meats in Wexford, following ABP’s buyout of the Allen family share in Slaney last year.

Linden Foods is among the leading beef exporters from Northern Ireland, with 70% of their total sales exported. Some of the meat processors flagship customers include the high-end retailer Marks & Spencer as well as OSI, the manufacturer of McDonald’s burgers.

The deal will have to be ratified by competition authorities, most likely at a European level.

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