Boparan deal to take over Bernard Matthews under investigation

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it is investigating the acquisition by Ranjit Boparan and Baljinder Boparan of Bernard Matthews.

In an Initial Enforcement Order, the CMA said: “The CMA is considering, pursuant to section 22 of the Enterprise Act 2002, whether it is or may be the case that a relevant merger situation has been created and whether the creation of that situation has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets in the United Kingdom.”

Last month Ranjit Boparan, the owner of 2 Sisters Food Group which has operations throughout the East Midlands, bought stricken turkey giant Bernard Matthews in a pre-pack deal.

The deal meant that 2,000 jobs at Bernard Matthews will be saved.

A statement at the time from the new owners said: “We intend to respect and build on the 66-year heritage of a much-loved British brand and crucially help to deliver Christmas 2016, which would have been at risk without our intervention.

“We have a proven track record in turning around businesses and we aim to make Bernard Matthews great again.”