Bernard Matthews deal is simply bootiful for 2 Sisters owner

FOOD entrepreneur Ranjit Boparan, owner of Birmingham-based 2 Sisters Food Group, has bought stricken turkey giant Bernard Matthews in a pre-pack deal.

The deal will mean that 2,000 jobs at Bernard Matthews sites in Norfolk and Suffolk will be saved.

The move comes after Boparan Restaurant Holdings, a subsidiary of the main Boparan Holdings group, acquired the Giraffe restaurant chain from Tesco in April.

The terms of the latest deal have not been disclosed.

There had been mounting speculation for some months that that famous turkey brand was in trouble. Earlier in the summer PwC had been appointed to try and find a new owner for the business.

The Unite union has given a cautious welcome to the deal. It is seeking clarification on future employment, pay, and terms and conditions under the new ownership.

Unite is due to meet the management team at Bernard Matthews’ headquarters at Great Witchingham, Norfolk today (Wednesday).

Unite regional officer Steve Harley said: “The announcement that Bernard Matthews has been sold appears to be good news for the 2,000-strong workforce. We are giving the news a cautious welcome.

“However, in takeover situations, there are always matters that need to be clarified. Unite is meeting the company tomorrow where searching questions will be asked on future employment, pay, and terms and conditions.

“We will also be asking about the status of the pension scheme under the new owners, although it is expected that our members won’t be affected in this respect by today’s takeover.”