‘Second bidder’ tycoon runs rule over Northern Foods - Business - Evening Standard
       

‘Second bidder’ tycoon runs rule over Northern Foods

Britain's biggest Christmas pudding maker, Northern Foods, today confirmed Ranjit Boparan, the tycoon behind Harry Ramsden's restaurants, had asked for access to its books amid speculation that he is planning a
£300 million hostile bid.

The move, later confirmed by Boparan, could derail the planned £500 million all-share tie-up between Northern Foods and rival food group Greencore, to which the board has already agreed.

Boparan, who is also one of Tesco's biggest chicken suppliers, has been stakebuilding in Northern since the Greencore merger was announced last month. His holding has grown from less than 3% to 6.6%.

However, Northern said it still believes that the Greencore merger — which will create an enlarged food group that is to be called Essenta, and will have annual sales of £1.7 billion — offers "substantial benefits for its shareholders, customers and employees".

Hopes of a bid battle sent shares in Northern Foods climbing by 5p, or more than 8%, to 65.5p.

Comments

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking