Dutch food group sells Shropshire poultry base
A Dutch food group, which has a base in Shropshire, is to sell its UK businesses which employ 13,000 people at 38 sites across the country.
Vion NV, which runs the Vion Affcot hatchery near Church Stretton, is selling its UK operation to concentrate on 'core markets' in the Netherlands and Germany.
It is not known how many people work at its Shropshire hatchery, or how many of those jobs could be placed at risk. Bosses say it is too early to comment on individual sites.
Peter Barr, chairman of VION UK said: "Working with advisors Rabobank/ Rothschild, we have already started detailed discussions with a number of interested parties, including management, regarding the acquisition of the various parts of the UK business and these are progressing well.
"The level of interest in the businesses has been strong and we hope to be in a position in the near future to give further details on the progress.
"The sale process will be completed in a smooth and orderly fashion to ensure business continuity for our employees, agricultural and other suppliers and our customers."
The company supplies beef, lamb, pork and chicken products to a range of food retailing and manufacturing customers.
