Vion pork operation closes in on MBO

By ERIKKA ASKELAND
Published on 03/12/2012 00:00

TROUBLED food giant Vion is closing in on a sale of its UK pork business in a management buy-out (MBO) led by Leeds-based venture capitalist, Endless.

The deal, which could be announced this week, would include ten pork farming and processing sites across the UK, potentially securing 5,000 jobs. However, the deal would not include the Netherlands-based company’s poultry or red meat business, which employ 8,500, where it is understood the sales process is less advanced.
The sale of the pork business would not include the Halls of Broxburn factory in West Lothian, which is being closed down with the loss of 1,750 jobs.

Vion’s remaining pork operations include processing sites at Scunthorpe, Hull, Haverhill, Malton and at Cookstown, Co Tyrone. Affected sites in Scotland include pig farms in Brydock, near Banff, and at Muirden, near Turriff.

Last month, Vion announced plans to sell its UK business and focus on the Netherlands and Germany.