ABP / Scotbeef assets merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the completed acquisition by Anglo Beef Processors UK of Scotbeef Limited’s businesses at Longleys Farm, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire and Penston Road, Queenslie, Glasgow.

Statutory timetable

Date Action
14 December 2023 Decision published and case closed
9 November 2023 Decision announced
21 September 2023 Launch of merger inquiry
29 July 2023 Initial enforcement order

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

9 November 2023: The CMA has cleared the completed acquisition by Anglo Beef Processors UK of Scotbeef Limited’s businesses at Longleys Farm, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire and Penston Road, Queenslie, Glasgow.

Revocation of initial enforcement order

11 October 2023: The CMA has revoked the initial enforcement order imposed on 29 July 2023 in relation to the completed acquisition by Anglo Beef Processors UK of Scotbeef Limited’s businesses at Longleys Farm, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire and Penston Road, Queenslie, Glasgow. The Revocation Order was issued under section 72(4) of the Enterprise Act 2022 and is without prejudice to the CMA’s ongoing investigations into the acquisition.

Launch of merger inquiry

21 September 2023: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

Invitation to comment: closed on Thursday 5 October

21 September 2023: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Directions to appoint a hold separate manager

10 August 2023: Pursuant to an initial enforcement order dated 29 July 2023, the CMA directed ABP Food Group, Anglo Beef Processors and Anglo Beef Processors to appoint a hold separate manager.

Directions to appoint a monitoring trustee

10 August 2023: Pursuant to the initial enforcement orders dated 29 July 2023, the CMA directed ABP Food Group, Anglo Beef Processors and Anglo Beef Processors to appoint a monitoring trustee.

Initial enforcement order

29 July 2023: The Competition and Markets Authority has served an initial enforcement order under section 72 (2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on ABP Food Group, Anglo Beef Processors and Anglo Beef Processors UK.

Amendments / consents granted

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues to: general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk

Updates to this page

Published 1 August 2023
Last updated 14 December 2023 + show all updates
  1. Decision published and case closed

  2. Clearance decision announced.

  3. Revocation order and 5 derogation letters published

  4. Commencement notice published.

  5. Document temporarily removed awaiting update

  6. Directions and derogation letters published.

  7. First published.