Two ANM Group businesses, Scotch Premier Meat and Yorkshire Premier Meat, are to be sold, the company announced today.In a written statement ANM said: “The board of ANM Group has identified the need to concentrate on what the group does best through its core trading activities and is therefore looking to dispose of its non-core activities."Despite the continuing difficult trading conditions in the UK meat processing industry, substantial improvements have been made to the costs and operations of both Scotch Premier and Yorkshire Premier over the last few months, which now offer significant potential for interested parties."The ANM Group wishes to reassure its suppliers, employees and members that the Group is in good shape overall with a sound financial position."Reaction from QMS was swift and chairman Jim McClaren commented: “Today’s announcement by ANM Group adds to a period of unwelcome challenge for the Scottish red meat industry, including the recent announcement by Vion that Hall’s of Broxburn is at risk of closure.
“We recognize this decision must have been a very difficult one for the ANM Group board. Scotch Premier Meat has worked hard to build a business, in the heart of one of Scotland’s top livestock producing areas, with an enviable reputation for quality both at home and overseas.
“The business plays an important role in the Scottish red meat.
“One message we have been repeatedly highlighting, and do so again today, is the need to maintain critical mass in our Scottish livestock industry. Any concern that an increase in stock numbers could undermine producer prices needs to be balanced against the potential impact on the future competitiveness of the whole red meat chain.”The ANM Group reported there would be no further comment until substantive progress has been made.
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