Irish red meat giant ABP has struck a deal to take over Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb business for an undisclosed sum.
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ABP announced the proposed acquisition yesterday (5 November). It is set to include Pilgrim’s lamb abattoir in Llanidloes, Powys, which employs about 140 people, who would transfer to ABP under TUPE employment rights protections.
“The site provides access to one of the UK’s most important sheep-producing regions and has built a strong reputation for producing premium Welsh lamb products,” said ABP.
Kevin Cahill, ABP UK CEO, added: “Llanidloes is an excellent strategic fit for our lamb business. The site is ideally positioned in the heart of Welsh lamb production and has a long-standing reputation for quality, supported by an experienced and dedicated team.
“We look forward to welcoming the Llanidloes team and working closely with the producers who supply the site, providing them with the benefits and support available through our network of more than 3,500 sheep farmers across the UK.
“Welsh lamb is recognised globally for its quality, and Llanidloes provides a strong platform to serve growing demand across both domestic and international markets.”
Ivan Siqueira, Pilgrim’s Europe president, said: “The proposed transaction will enable continued focus and investment in our core poultry, pork and value-added businesses, while providing opportunities for future growth at Llanidloes within a specialist lamb processor.”
Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb retail packing operation at Andover, Hampshire, is not included in the proposed transaction, which reflected ”ABP’s existing lamb deboning and retail packing capabilities across its UK network”, the latter supplier said.
Pilgrim’s has launched a consultation that could see the Andover site closed “towards the end of January”. The business said it hoped to “retain colleagues through alternative employment opportunities across its UK operations”.
“We are incredibly proud of our colleagues at Llanidloes and Andover, as well as the farmers and producers who have supported the business over the years,” Siqueira added. “Our priority is to support colleagues throughout this process and maintain continuity of supply and service for customers and producer partners during the transition.”
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