Interim Chief Economic Adviser, Jenny Haydock stated on 8^th January that the CMA had accepted the fast-track reference request made by ABF, Hovis Group Limited and Endless LLP, having concluded that the conditions to accept a fast-track reference request had been met.

As a result, the CMA made a reference to its chair for the constitution of a group under Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 in order that the group may investigate and report, within a period ending on 24^th June 2026, on the following questions: whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation; and if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services.

In a previous update made before Christmas, the CMA revealed that its deadline for announcing its decision whether to refer the merger for a phase 2 investigation was 19^th February 2026.

Responding to the CMA’s December announcement, a spokesperson for ABF said they would continue to work closely with the CMA to ensure the case is run as efficiently as possible and to “demonstrate why this transaction will help to create a more sustainable competitor that is better able to invest, innovate and deliver for customers”.

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In an update just before Christmas, the CMA revealed that its deadline for announcing its decision whether to refer the merger for a phase 2 investigation is 19^th February 2026.

“The Competition and Market Authority hereby gives notice pursuant to section 96(2A) of the Enterprise Act 2002 that the merger notice provided by Associated British Foods plc, Hovis Group Limited and Endless LLP in relation to the anticipated acquisition by ABF (via its wholly owned indirect subsidiary, ABF Grain Products Limited) of Hovis, meets the requirements of section 96(2) of the Act,” stated the announcement.

The initial period defined in section 34ZA(3) of the Act in relation to the Transaction commenced on 22^nd December 2025.

The first step of the CMA’s information-gathering process – an invitation to comment time period – concluded in early October, with the next stage including the launch of its formal investigation into the transaction.

It was announced last summer that Hovis Group would be bought over by ABF, with the proposed acquisition hailed as a “significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient bakery operation in the UK”.

In a statement, ABF said the acquisition would combine the production and distribution activities of the two businesses, driving significant costs synergies and efficiencies, to create a profitable UK bread business that is sustainable over the long-term.

Responding to the CMA’s December announcement, a spokesperson for ABF said: “This formal step is an important milestone and follows ABF working constructively with the CMA to outline the challenges and changes taking place in the UK’s bakery sector.

“ABF will continue to work closely with the CMA to ensure this case is run as efficiently as possible and to demonstrate why this transaction will help to create a more sustainable competitor that is better able to invest, innovate and deliver for customers.”

The post CMA begins phase one investigation into proposed ABF acquisition of Hovis first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The first step of the CMA’s information-gathering process – an invitation to comment time period – concluded in early October, with one of the next stages being the launch its formal investigation into the transaction.

Having confirmed earlier this year they were in discussions regarding a potential transaction, it was announced during the summer that Hovis Group would be bought over by ABF.

As stated in their Interim Results Announcement back in April, Allied Bakeries faced what it called a “very challenging market”.

“We are evaluating strategic options for Allied Bakeries against this backdrop and we remain committed to increasing long-term shareholder value,” said a statement.

Subject to regulatory review by the CMA, the proposed acquisition has been hailed as a “significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient bakery operation in the UK”.

In a statement, ABF said the acquisition would combine the production and distribution activities of the two businesses, driving significant costs synergies and efficiencies, to create a profitable UK bread business that is sustainable over the long-term.

The post CMA probe continues into bread business ‘merger’ first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The move follows months of negotiations after it had been confirmed that ABF, owner of Allied Bakeries, were in discussions with Hovis owners, Endless LLP.

Subject to regulatory review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the proposed acquisition has been hailed as a “significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient bakery operation in the UK”.

It had previously been stated in the interim results that ABF had been “evaluating a range of strategic options for Allied Bakeries”. Profitability at Allied Bakeries has been increasingly challenged in recent years by a decline in demand for pre-sliced, packaged bread and a loss of scale in Allied Bakeries’ nationwide distribution network serving the major retailers with daily delivery of bread and bakery goods.

In a statement, ABF said the acquisition will combine the production and distribution activities of the two businesses, driving significant costs synergies and efficiencies, to create a profitable UK bread business that is sustainable over the long-term.

“The combined business will be better placed to compete effectively and to establish a stable platform for product innovation in the segments of the UK bakery category that are growing as a result of changing consumer tastes and needs,” said the statement.

“This will include improvement in existing products and expansion into new product ranges.”

George Weston, Chief Executive of ABF said: “Supporting the Hovis and Kingsmill brands with well-invested and efficient operations will also enable innovation and growth. This solution will create value for shareholders, provide greater choice for consumers and increase efficiencies for customers.”

Aidan Robson, Managing Partner of Endless LLP added: “We are proud of the journey we’ve shared with Hovis to date, supporting this historic brand in a highly competitive and challenging market.

“The transaction with ABF represents an opportunity to create a platform for long-term sustainability in the bakery sector for the benefit of retailers and consumers.

“While we work towards achieving CMA clearance of the transaction, our focus remains on Hovis to continue delivering exceptional products and services to its customers.”

It is anticipated that the CMA approval may take some time, and until regulatory clearance is granted, Hovis Group Ltd and Allied Bakeries will continue to operate as separate entities.

The post Hovis owner agrees sale to ABF to create ’profitable UK bread business’ first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have launched the guidance to help businesses produce pancakes which are lower in sugar and salt.

Forming part of the FSA’s Making Food Better programme, the move aims to contribute to a healthier food environment.

The focus on pancakes comes due to their popularity in Northern Ireland, (Mintel 2022, Bread and Baked Goods, Ireland), with the goal of reformulating this category and potentially reducing the intake of calories sugar and salt in the diet of consumers across the region.

“Through our Making Food Better programme, we have been working with the food industry to create healthier options, supporting businesses to reduce calories, saturated fat, sugar and salt in the food they produce, sell or serve,” said Daniel Sporule, FSA Senior Nutrition Policy Advisor, NI.

“Last year, in partnership with CAFRE, we launched guidance on ice cream reformulation which was very well received. Businesses embraced the opportunity to alter their recipes which enhanced consumer choice and promoted positive dietary changes.”

Having initially carrying out a sampling programme of pre-packed pancakes sold in retail outlets here, they determined portion sizes and nutritional composition.

With two pancake offerings available in terms of size: a standard pancake at 41g and a large pancake at 84g, the average sugar content for the pancakes sampled was 15.04g of sugar per 100g; while consumer analysis indicated that two 41g pancakes was considered to be a portion.

“We then considered the technical role of the ingredients, flour, raising agents, buttermilk, fats, salt, sugar and egg,” said Dr Emanuele Armaforte, Senior Technologist at CAFRE.

“Using a control recipe, we experimented with modifications and substituted ingredients to mimic the functionality of the original ingredients. We successfully created a new recipe with reduced sugar and salt content and taste tested it with consumers to make sure it met expectations – it was a winner!”

Reformulation support for food business owners is available via INVEST NI and CAFRE simply contact www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/food/

The post New guidance launched for NI bakeries to help reduce sugar and salt in pancakes first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.