Reports from several quarters today suggest that Dunbia – Northern Ireland’s largest meat processor is said to be up for sale.

And the company itself has not denied the rumour when contacted but said it has received expressions of interest from would-be investors and is now considering options for maximising the potential of the company.

A spokesperson for Dunbia said Dunbia has enjoyed consistent growth over the past number of years and has ambitious plans to grow and expand the business.

“Market dynamics are continually evolving and we are currently exploring the best options to ensure that we are well placed to meet the demands of the marketplace, now and in the future.

“We have received several serious expressions of interest from would-be investors over the past two years and we are now considering options for maximising the potential of the company going forward.

“Whilst we are working on plans for the future, our focus very much remains on day-to-day operations and delivering a first class service to our customers – in other words, business as usual.”

Dunbia processes over 300,000 cattle per year producing quality beef products for multiple retailers, foodservice outlets and wholesalers throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as serving a large network of export customers throughout Europe and beyond.

In 2003, it acquired a new boning facility in Kilbeggan.