Scotch Premier For Sale

The ANM Group can confirm that following a strategic review of the group's operations by the management team, it has been decided to offer for sale the Scotch Premier Meat and Yorkshire Premier Meat businesses.

The Board of ANM Group has taken the decision to refocus on its traditional core business, namely auction and valuation services, including its property portfolio, to ensure the future long-term sustainability of the Group.

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 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.

Scotch Premier and Yorkshire Premier have skilled, dedicated workforces and it will be business as usual with our employees continuing to deliver first class products and service to our customers.

The ANM Group wishes to reassure its suppliers, employees and members that the Group is in good shape overall with a sound financial position.

There will be no further comment by the ANM Group until substantive progress has been made.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) statement following ANM Group Announcement that Scotch Premier Meat and Yorkshire Premier Meat are for sale

Jim McLaren, QMS Chairman, said: “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 industry which last year contributed a record £2.1 billion to Scotland's economy with the primary processing sector's share of that total growing £81 million, or 8.5%, to £1.02 billion and accounting for 4200 direct jobs.

“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.”

Scottish Red Meat Industry: Key Facts for 2011

• 36 red meat (beef, lamb and pork) abattoirs operated in Scotland
• Of this total 25 sites processed cattle, 25 processed sheep and 22 processed pigs
• Some 2.67 million animals were processed by Scottish abattoirs (up 4% on 2010)
• Total turnover of the primary processing sector grew by £81 million
• 4,200 people were directly employed by Scottish abattoirs
• England and Wales were the largest markets for Scottish processors, with two thirds of all revenues generated there.
• Export revenue from the Scottish processing sector grew around 13% year-on-year to a total value of £115.5 million