Northern Foods chairman resigns on Boparan bid

THE chairman of Northern Foods has resigned following the announcement that Ranjit Boparan’s offer for the Yorkshire company has become unconditional.

Anthony Hobson resigned from the Leeds-based company’s board last week with Mr Boparan replacing him.

Non-executive directors David Nish, Orna Ni-Chionna, Tony Illsley and Sandra Turner have also resigned.

Baljinder Boparan, Kuldip Kular, Jon Silk and Graham Hunter have also been appointed to Northern’s board.

Harry Ramsden owner Mr Boparan has confirmed plans to delist Northern Foods from the London Stock Exchange after his offer for the firm became unconditional last week.

The Irish competition authorities have given the green light to the Boparan Holdings takeover, removing the final hurdle to the completition of the takeover of the Leeds-based firm.

Mr Boparan already has the backing of around 80% of Northern Foods shareholders for his offer and if that reaches 90% he intends to compulsorily buy the remaining shares.

Boparan Holdings has given notice of its intention to delist the company on the London Stock Exchange which would take effect around May 11.