The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that it has cleared Boparan's proposed acquisition of ForFarmers' Burston and Radstock feed mill sites. This decision follows an extensive Phase 2 investigation conducted by the CMA's independent inquiry group.

Boparan and ForFarmers are both key players in the UK poultry feed market, supplying chicken feed and other poultry feed products. The inquiry group assessed the potential impact of Boparan's purchase of the Burston feed mill site, noting that while it could reduce the manufacturing capacity for chicken feed in East Anglia, suppliers in the area would still have alternative options due to the presence of other competitors in the market.

After reviewing all evidence, including feedback from the parties involved, the inquiry group determined that the merger would not lead to a substantial lessening of competition. Kirstin Baker, chair of the inquiry group, stated that the evidence suggested competition would remain intact, leading to the clearance of the acquisition.

At the earlier Phase 1 investigation stage, the CMA had already concluded that the acquisition of the Radstock feed mill site did not raise any competition concerns, and that sale has since been completed. The CMA has a statutory obligation to promote competition for consumer benefit and evaluates each merger case on its own merits, ensuring that any potential competition issues are thoroughly investigated.