The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared Boparan’s proposed acquisition of ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mill sites, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
Both ForFarmers and Boparan – through its subsidiary 2Agriculture – manufacture and supply chicken and poultry feed in the UK. The CMA’s inquiry group found that while the purchase of the Burston feed mill site could potentially reduce available capacity for chicken feed production in East Anglia, suppliers in the region will still have sufficient choice from competing providers. As a result, the inquiry group concluded that the merger would not significantly lessen market competition.
Kirstin Baker, Chair of the independent inquiry group, commented:
“Having assessed the evidence, we have provisionally found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill does not raise competition concerns. We’re reassured by the evidence which shows that farmers and chicken suppliers in the UK will continue to have options when it comes to choosing chicken feed providers, should the deal go ahead.”
The CMA is now consulting on its interim report and is inviting feedback from interested parties until March 11, 2025. A final decision is expected by the statutory deadline of May 13, 2025.
Earlier sale
At the Phase 1 investigation stage, the CMA had already determined that the acquisition of the Radstock feed mill posed no competition concerns, allowing that sale to be completed.
ForFarmers, a compound feed manufacturer with headquarters in the Netherlands, and 2Agriculture, one of the UK’s largest poultry feed suppliers, play significant roles in the market. 2Agriculture provides feed to Hook 2 Sisters, an affiliate of Boparan, as well as independent farmers.
Credit: feednavigator.com
