McGuinness raises concerns over Slaney Meats takeover

Ahead of Friday’s deadline for the European Commission to make a decision on the acquisition by ABP Group of an interest in Slaney Meats, Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has assured Mairead McGuinness MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament, in a letter, that the Commission investigation is assessing the issue very carefully and has been reaching out to a large number of market participants.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Ms McGuinness said she was “reassured about the thoroughness of the investigation.”

“The proposed acquisition has given rise to much concern on the part of primary beef and lamb producers about negative consequences arising from the diminution of competition in the sector.

“The Commissioner is paying very close attention to the recent report commissioned by the IFA on the issue,” Ms McGuinness said.

“At this stage it looks like the Commission is doing everything to ensure that it is acquainted with the nuances of the Irish market and that its decision on Friday will be reached following full and careful consideration of the competition issues at play,” she said.