Boparan’s acquisition of Banham Poultry under CMA scrutiny

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced an inquiry into the acquisition of Banham Poultry by Boparan Private Office (BPO), the Boparan family's private investment vehicle.

Ranjit Boparan and his wife Baljinder, owners of the 2 Sisters Food Group, have last month acquired the Norfolk-based poultry firm for an undisclosed sum from Chesterfield Poultry.

The CMA has served an initial enforcement order on 3 November to relevant parties before officially launching its initial phase 1 investigation.

BPO has said the acquisition will safeguard more than 1,000 employees and many more across the supply chain in the region.

Banham Poultry, which was hit with a closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have been struggling despite investment from its owners, who bought it in 2018 in a pre-pack administration.

“This acquisition will enable the BPO to maintain processing capacity and fulfil customers’ orders in the important run up to Christmas period and to meet future demand,” A spokesperson for the BPO has said at the time of the purchase.

“We have a strong track record in investing in and supporting the food processing and agricultural sectors, and we are totally committed to maintaining production capacity and jobs at the Banham site.”