The transfer of these facilities is set to be finalised by the end of July 2023, after which they will join ABP’s UK meat division, which already includes a processing facility in Perth, Scotland.

With 70 years of industry experience and more than 40 years operating in Scotland, ABP provides fresh and frozen meat products to retailers and food service providers across the UK and globally.

Frank Stephenson, ABP Group chief executive, said: “We look forward to working with the team in Scotbeef to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for farmer suppliers, colleagues and customers at the Queenslie and Bridge of Allan plants.

“It will be very much business as usual with a commitment to building on Scotbeef’s well established tradition and reputation for high quality Scottish red meat products”.

The acquisition adds to ABP’s significant presence, with the company employing over 13,000 people across four divisions: Red Meat, Pet Foods, Renewables, and Proteins. The firm also boasts processing facilities in nine countries, and has an annual turnover of €5 billion.

Scotbeef CEO Robbie Galloway said: “This sale is the right move for our staff and producer suppliers, and also for Scottish agriculture as it secures the ongoing viability of these slaughtering and packing facilities in Scotland.

“Like Scotbeef, ABP is a family run business and we have been working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition. We are appreciative of the support and help we have received from the Goodman family and their ABP colleagues as we have gone through this process. We wish them well for the future with this acquisition.”

Scotbeef will continue to operate from their sites in Inverurie, East Kilbride, Annan, Heysham and Woverhampton.